Mike Anderson often doubles as his own photographer, shooting and editing most of his stories. He came to KSL in April 2011 after working for several years at various broadcast news outlets.
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. A bus stop with new, elongated lighted stop signs in Willard, Box Elder County, Thursday. Despite the new signs, bus drivers in the school district are still reporting motorists passing them. "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 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. A school bus navigates through the construction on U.S. 89 in Willard, Box Elder County, Thursday. Construction has reduced traffic to two lanes — one going each way. 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. A stopped school bus with signs deployed in Willard, Box Elder County, Thursday. Officials are reminding drivers of the penalties for passing stopped buses. (P
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