DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado State Patrol said Wednesday that it gave a total of 31 citations during a recent traffic enforcement period centered around school bus and school zone safety, amid the start of the new academic school year.
CSP partnered with school districts in Douglas County, Jefferson County, Mesa County and Chaffee County during the “joint safety effort,” which the agency said ran between Aug. 18-22.
“This past week, our troopers rode alongside school buses, worked school zones, and educated motorists about the updated school bus passing laws to make sure drivers put the safety of children first,” said CSP Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard in a statement.
CSP said the most common traffic violation was speeding and that, in total, 25 troopers handed out 31 citations and 24 warnings over 48 hours of patrolling during the period. The agency said 55 citizens were contacted overall.
“No meeting, no errand, no destination is more important than a child’s life,” Packard said.
CSP said two of the citations were given for failing to stop for a school bus, something the agency said it has cited 76 motorists for doing over the past five years.
In addition, CSP said its troopers have investigated six crashes involving school buses over the same 5-year time period, with three of those crashes “directly tied to inattentive driving.”
“The area around a school bus is one of the most dangerous places for a child. These kids rely on drivers to follow the rules for their safety,” Packard said.
The CSP notes that failing to stop for a school bus can carry “serious” consequences, including getting six points on a driver’s license, fines starting at $250 and a mandatory court appearance.
“When you see a bus or drive near a school zone, slow down, pay attention, and stop when required,” Packard said. Together, we can ensure students arrive at school and return home safely.”
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
