NDHP conducting trooper event

The North Dakota Highway Patrol in the Southeast region will conduct a “Trooper on a Bus” event in conjunction with the Carrington School District.

A trooper will be placed on a bus during a regular route on Monday in an effort to raise awareness of traffic violations that occur around school buses. In addition to raising awareness, enforcement action may also be taken should a violation occur.

The NDHP is involved with school transportation safety efforts. Troopers perform safety inspections, through a voluntary partnership with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction on approximately 1,900 publicly owned school buses each year.

Troopers also speak at school bus driver workshops, discussing safety regulations and other issues related to the safe transportation of North Dakota school children.

North Dakota law requires that if a stopped school bus is displaying alternating flashing red lights or a stop sign control arm, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop before reaching the school bus. Motorists may not proceed until the red lights are deactivated, the bus driver signals them to proceed, or the bus resumes motion.

“This law protects the children as they are loading or exiting the bus,” said Sgt. Tom Iverson, safety and education officer with the NDHP. “Children are placed in danger when motorists fail to stop as directed by the bus driver.”

The enforcement consequence for failing to yield as required for a school bus is a $50 fine and six points being assessed to the violator’s driving record.

The NDHP asks motorists to exercise caution when around schools, buses and during periods before and after school.

Parents should remind their children to be wary of traffic. They can also protect their kids by purchasing items such as jackets, shoes or backpacks with reflective material.

Tags: north dakota, news, education