To enhance safety for school children and provide education to the public, North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) Troopers in the southwest region will partner with the Flasher school district on Jan. 22 and the Linton school district on Feb. 6 to conduct a ‘Trooper on a Bus’ enforcement efforts.
During ‘Trooper on a Bus,’ an NDHP trooper rides along on a regular bus route and observes drivers. If a violation, such as passing a bus with red lights flashing occurs, the trooper will radio the information to another trooper in a nearby squad car where a traffic stop will be initiated, and enforcement taken.
NDHP Safety and Education Officer Sgt. Wade Kadrmas states, “North Dakota laws protect students who are getting off and on a school bus by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus dropping off or picking up students, regardless of the direction of approach.” Kadrmas noted the consequence for a driver failing to stop as required for a school bus will be assessed a $100 fine and six points are applied to their license.
NDHP’s ‘Trooper on a Bus’ is one of many activities used to enhance public safety and to spread awareness of related traffic laws while encouraging safe, responsible driving as all residents work together toward Vision Zero.