Marathon County Sheriff's Department Reminds Drivers to Watch for School Buses

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

School is back in session.

The Marathon County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that as our young ones return to school, let's make their journey safe. PLEASE remember to STOP for school buses when their red lights/stop signs are out. Last year, the department cited 14 school bus violations. Thanks to cameras on many buses, they can now capture violations more easily.

But not all buses have cameras, making it challenging for bus drivers to note license plates and vehicle descriptions, their focus should be on the kids, not on speeding cars. The Sheriff’s Office records about 50 bus violations yearly. Local bus companies estimate that number to be around 200 in Marathon County alone.

Think about it: Do you want to risk violating a stop sign or flashing light and possibly hitting a child? If you attempt to 'beat' the red light, it will set you back $326.50 and cost you four points on your license.

In the period from 2022 to now, Wisconsin reported 948 crashes involving school buses. Of these, one was fatal, 279 led to injuries, and 19 occurred in Marathon County, primarily in the Wausau Metro area.

A quick refresher from the DOT website (https://wisconsindot.gov/.../equip.../sch-bus/dont-pass.aspx): Drivers MUST stop 20 feet away (or more) from a halted school bus flashing its red warning lights.

This rule applies to cars coming from both directions. Everyone must STOP, except opposing lanes on a divided highway with a center median. You can ONLY move once the bus starts again and the red lights are off.

Remember: If a bus’s red lights are flashing, don’t pass it even if the stop arm isn’t out. Let's be vigilant, especially in urban areas, and watch out for yellow lights or changing signals on school buses.

It's not just the driver at fault; vehicle owners can also be cited if their car passes a school bus illegally, even if a police officer didn’t witness it. The bus driver needs to report the violation within 24 hours.

While fines are steep, the cost of injuring a child is unimaginable and irrevocable. Please spread the word; let’s ensure our kids' safety. Drive responsibly.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.