Wordy Bus Warnings Aren’t Practical, School Officials Say
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An act that went into effect on Jan. 1 requires districts to display an electronic or written warning to drivers on every new bus that reads, “It is a violation of Arkansas law to pass a school bus from any direction when it is stopped to load or unload a child.” Education officials say this requirement is impractical, as the signs are too wordy and difficult to read.
Written signs must be displayed on the rear emergency exit door of the bus or just under the rear emergency exit window. School officials intend to suggest an amendment to the law so that districts will only be required to display a simpler warning, “Arkansas law: Stop when red lights are flashing.”
The act also creates a pilot program in which districts can apply for grants to pay for bus cameras. It costs $2,000 to equip one bus with two cameras – one on each side – to capture video of drivers who pass illegally. To date, 28 grants have been awarded.
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