Lawmaker Files School Bus Safety Bill That Would Toughen Penalties
Lawmaker Files School Bus Safety Bill That Would Toughen Penalties
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Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
Lawmaker Files School Bus Safety Bill That Would Toughen PenaltiesState Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) announced today during a press conference that he has filed legislation that would address school bus safety issues in Indiana.
The bill would increase the penalty from a Class A infraction to a Class C misdemeanor for a motorist who fails to stop when a school bus arm is extended; from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor for a driver who recklessly passes a school bus when its arm is extended; and from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony for a driver who recklessly passes a school bus when its arm is extended and causes injury.
The legislation would also require the court to suspend driving privileges for first-time offenders for 90 days and one year for repeat offenders.
The proposal comes after three Tippecanoe Valley students from one family were killed while attempting to board a bus near Rochester. A fourth student was seriously injured in the Oct. 30 accident.
The motorist, who passed the bus and allegedly struck the children, is facing criminal charges.
The incident gained national attention and has led to numerous calls for changes in policies involving bus stop safety.
Head’s district includes the Tippecanoe Valley school district. A separate bus-related accident five weeks later killed a Winamac student south of Plymouth.
“Our community has suffered great tragedy recently, as four children lost their lives in accidents involving school buses,” Head said in prepared statements read at the news conference.
“No family should ever have to experience a loss of this kind, and I am hopeful this legislation, if passed, would help prevent similar accidents from occurring by encouraging drivers to slow down, follow the rules of the road and keep the safety of our children in mind.”
Reps. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), who also attended the press conference, echoed Head’s remarks.
“The tragedy our community recently endured is absolutely heartbreaking,” Jordan said. “As we continue to grieve and remember these young children, we are looking at ways to increase school bus safety and prevent this from happening to other Hoosier families.”
Head’s legislation would also require each school corporation, charter school or accredited nonpublic school that provides student transportation to review their school bus routes and safety policies by Sept. 1 and annually thereafter.
Additionally, under the bill, a school bus driver traveling on a U.S. or state route would not be allowed to load or unload students at a location that requires them to cross a roadway unless no other alternative is available, and if traveling on a street or highway, a school bus driver would be required to load or unload students as close to the right-hand curb as practical.
A total of 10 lawmakers, including State Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Syracuse), attended the news conference.
Head’s legislation will now be assigned to a Senate committee.
Family members of the victims are also seeking legislation that would require schools to place cameras on the buses to help document motorists who pass buses illegally.
A grandfather of the victims, Michael Schwab, has established a website, MaxStrongForever.com, to generate support and awareness for new legislation and policies to further protect children at bus stops.
