The Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation (DPSAFT) is working with law enforcement officials statewide to assist legislators in refining laws to prosecute driving violations involving passing a school bus while stopped. It is anticipated that, if successful, the laws will assist school districts to identify driving violations.
School districts are asked to participate in the necessary research by completing a survey of local bus routes so as to determine the extent of this problem statewide.
The survey should be conducted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. School districts are asked to use the attached form and record any vehicle illegally passing a stopped school bus while displaying flashing red lights and loading or unloading students. All daily routes should be included.
The form is to be completed indicating total illegal passes, broken down by the approaching direction of the passing vehicle (front or rear). Totals shall be for morning and afternoon routes.
Survey results must be returned by 12:00 noon, Friday, January 23, 2009, via fax (501-682-6308) or by e-mail to Ms. Carolyn Krone, (carolyn.krone@arkansas.gov).