- The Box Elder School District reports that drivers are passing school buses too frequently on U.S. 89.
- District officials are urging drivers to obey laws for children's safety, highlighting the heavy fines that could be incurred.
WILLARD, Box Elder County — Box Elder School District officials say too many drivers are putting children at risk by ignoring school bus stop signs, especially along U.S. 89 where construction has narrowed traffic to one lane in each direction.
Bus drivers report that motorists frequently pass stopped buses on the left as children board or exit, despite flashing lights and extended stop arms.
"It's down to two lanes. People aren't used to stopping for the buses," said Mike Bowen, a bus driver in the school district. He said the problem has grown since the highway was reduced to two lanes through Willard and Perry.
Bowen described the situation as stressful and dangerous. "It used to be a little (more fun) to drive the route, but when you have to worry about people running lights and how to get them to stop, it just takes away from the joy of doing the job," he said.
Bowen said he has seen as many as 15 vehicles run the stop arm in a single day. "That's usually multiple cars running the light at the same time," he explained.
The district is adding longer stop signs with LED lights to the front of buses and regularly trains drivers and students on safety procedures. "The most dangerous thing we do in transportation for a school is loading and unloading," said Jason Sparks, the district's transportation director. "Statistically, that's the most risk."
Sparks said drivers teach students to walk forward, away from the bus, and wait for signals before crossing, while drivers check mirrors and traffic.
Still, officials say safety ultimately depends on motorists obeying the law. "Please be careful. Slow down, and keep our kids safe," Bowen said.
The penalty for passing a stopped school bus in Utah is a $1,000 fine for the first offense and 10 hours of community service. Bowen said three drivers have already violated the law on his route this week.
