WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A New Hanover County Schools bus driver is speaking up on the dangers of cars not stopping for school buses.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol runs stop arm violation week through Oct. 21- 25. The campaign targets school bus violations that put children’s lives in danger.
Pam Tressler is a bus driver for New Hanover County Schools. She says she has seen the issue of stop-arm violations firsthand. Tressler says since August 87 cars have run her stopped bus.
“It’s scary. I mean they try to have us have stops where the kids aren’t crossing the road but sometimes they have to and to watch one of your children almost get run over is frightening,” said Tressler.
Tressler drives routes on Still Meadow and South College Road, Mcquillian Drive and Carolina Beach Road, Lake Park and Bennett, Lumberton and Bennett, Cape Fear, and Lake Park in Carolina Beach.
“They are just tearing me up down there,” Tressler said.
Wilmington Police Department says a large part of the problem is people driving distracted.
“People need to be attentive when driving and slow down. Driving faster really doesn’t get you to your destination faster,” said Lt. Greg Willett.
Tressler agrees saying drivers are often on their phones instead of paying attention to the road. She says bus drivers turn on their lights 300 feet before a stop so other drivers have enough notice to stop.
“Everybody is so busy nowadays and on phones. Some of the ones that run past me, I see them and they are just talking on their phone not paying attention to where they are doing,” said Tressler.
Debbie Trafton the New Hanover County Schools Director of Transportation says every April the county counts stop arm violations. She says in 2023 the county counted 117 violations in a single day, and in 2024 they counted 165 in one day.
According to Trafton, almost all New Hanover County buses have cameras. The cameras capture video, a picture, and a license plate number that can be sent to the police if a violation occurs.
According to state law, running a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor and can result in a $500 fine. If the driver hits a person, the charge could be upgraded to a felony.
Officials are working to help prevent as many violations as possible. However, bus drivers and law enforcement officers ask drivers to be more mindful on the road.
“New buses are being equipped with illuminated stop arms which are essentially LED lights around the sign. We are installing illuminated signs to our stop arm through a grant to ensure buses loading/unloading students on our busiest roads are clearly visible as we approach daylight savings. Raising awareness and encouraging drivers to stay off their phones while driving is an ongoing effort,” said Trafton.
More information about the appropriate time to stop for a school bus can be found here.
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