EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Utah bus drivers urging drivers to respect flashing stop arms

Aug 13, 2024, 6:00 PM

School bus stop arms...

House Bill 84 will increase the fines for anyone who unlawfully passes a school bus. (Photo: KSL TV)

(Photo: KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY — School is about to be back in session and Utah bus drivers are pleading with drivers to pay attention and not disregard the flashing stop arms on school buses.

When a school bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended students are getting on and off the bus and crossing the street.

Marcus Swainston, a school bus trainer from Jordan School District said he sees people ignore them almost daily.

“I don’t even think they’re seeing us. As a bus driver, you’re paying attention to those vehicles coming towards you and behind you and all the kids getting on and off the bus. A lot of times, what I see is they’re [drivers] are on their cellphones, or they’re diving distracted,” Swainston said. 

Salt Lake County bus driver Nachole Workman said she also sees cars drive through the stop zones almost daily. She says its crucial for drivers to stop and wait while the red lights flash. 

“Kids are coming from the side of the street, coming on to the bus, coming from both sides. You’ve got kids crossing the road,” said Workman.

West Valley Detective Mike Millett emphasized that its the law and a critical safety measure to remain stopped until the stop arms retract and the lights turn off.

“It’s time to start [school] back up, and there’s going to be buses picking up kids. And we need to pay extra attention to those kids and those buses and make sure we stop for them. We need to make sure they stay safe,” said Millett.

Swainston urges drivers to respect the bus when the lights are flashing for the safety of the students. 

“Drive as if it would be your child getting on or off the bus. Just be super careful around us and take that extra time to just stop and pay attention to what’s going on.”

Eric Cabrera is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. You can follow him on Instagram.

Related reading: Many Utah students returning to school with no air conditioning

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

students watch chemistry demonstration...

Clayre Scott

STARBASE Hill program shuts down due to lack of government funding

The STARBASE Hill program has been shut down due to a lack of funding. This means the end to STEAM, a program that gave students hands on learning in STEM fields.

21 hours ago

FILE - An American flag hangs in a classroom as students work on laptops at elementary school in De...

Heather Peterson

Some student absences in Utah likely due to federal immigration policies

Student absences in the Granite School District were up on Monday according to the district. But an official reason wasn't known.

3 days ago

As more undocumented immigration arrests occur in the U.S., some families are wondering if they sho...

OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ, MORIAH BALINGIT, BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS and JOCELYN GECKER Associated Press

Trump won’t ban immigration arrests at school. Some families are now weighing attendance

As President Donald Trump cracks down on immigrants in the U.S. illegally, some families are wondering if it is safe to send their children to school.

8 days ago

transgender rights rally utah capitol...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com and Daniel Woodruff, KSL-TV

Utah House approves bill limiting transgender access to college dorm rooms

HB 269 gives provisions regarding sex-designated privacy spaces in education and government facilities.

9 days ago

The scene where a crossing guard was hit and killed in Layton on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. (Karah Bra...

Mary Culbertson

Crossing guard hit, killed in Layton near elementary school

A crossing guard was hit by a vehicle and killed early Tuesday, according to Layton police.

9 days ago

Students work on coursework at Crescent Elementary School in Sandy on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. A prop...

Britt Johnson

Utah students could earn money for good attendance

The chronic absenteeism pilot program would give students up to $400 dollars for a 90% or better attendance record.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah bus drivers urging drivers to respect flashing stop arms