MILTON, Vt. — A one-day review by local officers found a startling number of motorists illegally passing school buses, highlighting concerns about student safety as the school year begins.
Snapshot shows high number of violations
Milton police monitored 58 school bus drivers during a recent morning commute and documented 45 instances of motorists illegally driving past stopped buses. The findings, officials say, are prompting a stepped-up enforcement effort around schools and common bus routes when classes start.
Under Vermont law, passing a stopped school bus can result in a $249 fine and five points on a driver’s license. Police said the majority of the illegal passes occurred during the morning drop-off period.
Enforcement strategy and public guidance
Milton police told WE NEWS they will increase patrols near schools and bus stops at the start of the term. The department plans to use a mix of marked and unmarked patrol cars to detect and deter violations.
- Marked and unmarked patrols will be used near school bus routes.
- Officers will concentrate patrols during morning commute times, when most passes were recorded.
- Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and to stop for buses displaying red lights and extended stop signs.
Driver and bus operator perspectives
Local bus operators described repeated encounters with motorists who ignore the legal requirement to stop when buses are loading or unloading children. Diane Barrows, a bus driver in Milton, said the practice is common and that she regularly has to alert drivers by sounding her horn.
“Daily. I see a car go by my bus with the red lights on, the stop sign out in their lane of traffic and I’m tooting the horn getting their attention,” Barrows said.
Bus drivers also work to teach children how to cross streets safely and to remain vigilant at stops, especially after drivers pass illegally.
Why this matters locally
Stopping for school buses is among the most straightforward traffic safety rules drivers encounter, but the Milton snapshot shows enforcement challenges when motorists ignore visible signals. Children leaving a bus are particularly vulnerable: they often have limited visibility and may be crossing in neighborhood streets with oncoming traffic.
Police stressed that enforcement is not just about issuing citations. They framed the effort as a public-safety campaign intended to change driver behavior and reduce the risk to students during high-traffic school periods.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Buses monitored | 58 |
| Illegal passes recorded | 45 |
| Fine for passing stopped bus | $249 |
| License points | 5 |
Practical steps for drivers and families
Officials offered practical advice for commuters and families to reduce the chance of illegal passes and improve safety around bus stops:
- Leave a few minutes earlier to avoid feeling rushed around buses.
- Watch for flashing red lights and extended stop signs on buses and come to a complete stop in both directions when required.
- Teach children to wait until the bus driver signals that it is safe to cross the roadway.
As the new school year begins, Milton police said they will maintain a visible presence in neighborhoods with heavy bus traffic and will pursue enforcement when necessary. The department hopes visibility and citations will deter drivers from committing dangerous violations that put children at risk.
Parents, guardians and commuters should expect increased patrols around schools and bus routes and are encouraged to plan their routes and schedules accordingly to avoid infractions and help keep students safe.
