The first day of school brought drivers to a halt – by police if not by signs and crossing guards – as extra patrols were out and about in school zones.
Warsaw Police Department Det. Brad Kellar said at least 24 motorists were stopped in school zones Wednesday morning. Twenty-five were stopped Tuesday for some type of infraction by WPD officers. WPD did not have numbers available for Wednesday’s afternoon commute.
Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Sheriff Shane Bucher said a deputy on Wednesday morning detail made four traffic stops in regard to school zone infractions.
Indiana State Police reminds drivers the law in Indiana concerning school buses, flashing lights and stop arms is to stop, even on multiple lane highways where there is no barrier or median separating lanes of traffic. Motorists who are on a highway that is divided by a barrier, such as cable barrier, concrete wall or grassy median, are required to stop only if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
ISP also reminds motorists that not only is disregarding a school bus stop arm dangerous, it is a serious offense with real consequences.
Carlos J. Ramirez, 26, of 1692 E. CR 200N, #142, Warsaw, was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail at 9:41 a.m. Tuesday for reckless driving for passing a stopped school bus.
Warsaw Community Schools released a statement thanking local law enforcement for the extra patrols.
“WCS staff and administrators urge the public to adhere to traffic regulations in all school zones as well as at school bus stops where students both big and small rely on drivers to obey traffic laws in order to ensure their safety,” the release states. “School buses carry the hope of our community’s future and WCS kindly requests the community’s assistance in helping to keep them safe.”
