Reminder: Significant Penalties for Passing Stopped School Busses

From EPD Chief Bennett:

EPD has received several reports of vehicles passing stopped school busses. I want to remind motorists that passing a school bus that is displaying its flashing warning signal is illegal and punishable by a minimum fine of $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail—even for a first offense.

I urge motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and keep their eyes open for school buses and children along the roadways on their way to and from school. If you approach a school bus with its warning signals flashing, regardless of the direction you are traveling, state code requires you to stop until the lights go off and the bus resumes motion. I would also ask that motorists pay attention to their speed in school zones.

The safety of children is of paramount importance to the Elkins Police Department. To protect children traveling to and from school, our officers will be conducting targeted enforcement of these violations. Here is a link to the relevant state code section if you would like to review the law yourself.

Thank you for helping us keep Elkins safe!

Chief T.C. Bennett