County Reminds Drivers to Use Caution While Driving Near School Buses

According to Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Police Department, there has been a rise in illegal passing of school buses recently.

“Professional bus drivers with years of experience told us they’re seeing record numbers of motorists driving recklessly around buses picking up and discharging students,” said First Lieutenant Butch Gamble, Assistant Commander of the Traffic Safety Division, in a press release.

There are more than 1,500 school buses on roads throughout Fairfax County that serve more than 110,000 students daily. Police and school officials are concerned over the perceived increase in driving behaviors around school buses. Police have issued more than 1,700 summonses to motorists for illegally passing buses during the last five years.

FCPS Superintendent Jack Dale said it would be inexcusable if a child was injured because of a motorist disregarding traffic laws around buses. He said in the past year four students have been hit by motorists while on their way to school.

“In one instance, a child was crossing the street in a crosswalk when he was hit,” Dale said in the release. “I urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving near school buses and bus stops.”

A outside the school in a traffic incident in October, though the incident did not involve a bus. The student had been dropped off at the church across the street and was hit while crossing Bennett Road to get to the school, something school officials continue to warn against.

FCPS wants to remind motorists that there are serious consequences for failing to stop for a school bus, including reckless driving charges and possible jail time, along with points against one’s driving record.

With the exception of New York City, Fairfax County Schools transport more students each day than any school system in the United States. FCPS and FCPD are urging drivers to increase their awareness of students going to and from school. They are also reminding parents to teach their children how to get to and from school safely.