The Newport Beach Police Department will increase enforcement of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses through June 6.
The “Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses — High Visibility Enforcement Pilot Participation” campaign began on Monday, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.
“The safety of our children is our top priority,” Sgt. Sabrina Fabbri said in a statement. “Drivers who disregard the law and pass a school bus are putting young lives at grave risk.”
The department urged drivers to be extremely cautious and vigilant around school buses, warning that violators can be fined up to $500, have their licenses suspended be jailed.
Three main rules police advised drivers to follow are:
— Slow down and prepare to stop whenever a school bus displays flashing yellow lights, indicating that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children;
— Coming to a complete stop when driving in either direction at least 20 feet from the bus whenever the red lights begin flashing and when the stop arm extends; and,
— Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted, with caution that although children may not be seen, there may be children preparing to cross the street.