Alachua County law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout this week for drivers who illegally pass school buses.
In Florida, it is only legal to pass a school bus when there is a median of at least five feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier that separates vehicles from the school bus. Otherwise, when a school bus turns on its flashing lights and extends its stop signs, drivers must stop or they could be fined.
Drivers who pass on the left of a stopped school bus are subject to a $194 fine, which is $10 more than last year, according to Art Forgey, a public relations officer for Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Those who pass on the right of a school bus can be fined $294 and have to appear in court. Passing on the right side of the bus where students get on and off is a criminal offense.
"Children often don't pay attention when they get off the bus, so drivers need to be extra critical to ensure their safety," Forgey said.
ACSO is launching the effort as a part of Operation Bluebird, an annual driver safety awareness campaign.
Dan Brinsko, a parent and lieutenant of the ACSO traffic unit, started the program about 10 years ago.
According to Forgey, a 2000 survey indicated that there are 180 incidents of illegal bus passing each day.
"I think some people become complacent and inattentive," Forgey said. "But children's safety is a huge issue."
