Jasper Police Department Ramping Up Patrols Along Bus Routes

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the state’s Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) program, which was developed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute in 2019. “Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a very dangerous and serious offense,” said Assistant Chief Aaron Persohn. “We want students to arrive to school and return home safely, which is why we’re asking all motorists to drive cautiously around buses or face the consequences.” 

High-visibility patrols will be conducted in the morning and afternoon along routes identified by local bus drivers and school transportation officials. While officers will be focusing on stop-arm violations, they will also be on the lookout for any unsafe driving behavior such as speeding and distracted driving. “We still have far too many people speeding and not paying attention to the road,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “One glance at your phone is all it takes to cause a tragedy. Children are unpredictable, so it’s important to stay alert and be prepared to stop at all times.” 

In Indiana, it’s against the law for motorists to pass a bus that’s stopped and has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended. This applies to all roads, with one exception. Motorists who are on a highway that is divided by a barrier, such as a cable barrier, concrete wall or grassy median, are required to stop only if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. 

To learn more about the Jasper Police Department, please visit www.jasperindiana.gov, or click here for a list of school bus safety tips.