Arkansas Bus Drivers Report
Unsafe Motorists

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - School bus drivers in Arkansas are helping prosecutors identify motorists who violate the law by passing a stopped school bus.

Since the start of the school year, drivers have been filling out paperwork including the license plate number and vehicle and driver description to report unsafe motorists, said Mike Simmons, program manager for transportation with the Arkansas Academic, Facilities and Transportation Division.

A Pulaski County school bus driver fills out paper work to report a motorist who violated the state's no-passing law.

Upon receiving the form, prosecutors in Pulaski County are mailing warning letters to inform violators that they have been identified and will be cited if caught a second time. While the reporting system is mandated state-wide, the decision to issue warnings is at the discretion of county prosecutors.

Already, Pulaski County Special School District has noticed an increase in the number of reports, now numbering approximately 10 a week, submitted by bus drivers. The district transports about 12,000 kids daily on 339 buses and has 367 school bus drivers.

"I'm just proud that the state has stepped up and put some legislation on the books that has teeth in it and that the prosecutors have put their voice into this and said something must be done," said Brad Montgomery, director of transportation. "We are unnecessarily risking the lives of our young people."

The added enforcement was spurred by the death of 9-year-old William "Isaac" Brian in Benton , which is in the northwest corner of the state. Brian was struck and killed by a vehicle passing a stopped school bus last September. Strong reaction and the start of the legislative session coming on the heels of the accident prompted Isaac's Law, which stiffens penalties for failing to heed the flashing lights and stop arm on a school bus picking up or dropping off young riders.

Violation of the law can now result in up to a year suspension of the offender's driver's license, 400 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

"I think it's a societal problem. People are in too big a hurry," Simmons said. "It is a problem that is nationwide, not just here in Arkansas ."

For school bus drivers, the new reporting system is a welcome and proactive way to punish unsafe drivers who endanger riders and worry bus drivers.

"I think it is something that has been well overdue," said Pulaski County bus driver Larry Evans. "For the danger that is involved with the reckless drivers, it is actually a joy to do it."

Bus driver Sharrel Myers, who has been driving for Pulaski County for seven years, has had motorists look her in the face while passing her bus even though she is unloading four or five riders. Their refusal to obey the law, she said, creates a scary situation and endangers lives.

The reporting system and notification to offenders gives bus drivers piece of mind that the problem is being taken seriously.

"I drive these kids every day. I know them, and you get to know their parents," she said. "I can't imagine (if something happened to them). I would be devastated."

Source: School Transportation News, August 2005. All rights reserved.