Increase in drivers passing school buses draws safety concerns in Box Elder County

Bus drivers report that motorists frequently pass stopped buses on the left as children board or exit, despite flashing lights and extended stop arms.

Box Elder School district has added longer, lighted signs to the fronts of some of their buses. (Mike Anderson KSL TV)

“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 (more fun) 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.

US-89 through Willard has reduced to one lane each way during construction. (Mike Anderson KSL TV)

The district is adding longer stop signs with LED lights to the front of buses and they regularly train 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.

Drivers are required to stop when red lights flash on school buses. (Mike Anderson KSL TV)