Stop, don't pass

The Saratoga Police Department has major concerns about multiple incidents that have been reported regarding people passing school buses that are stopped to load or unload students. The police department recently posted a reminder on their Facebook page reminding drivers that it is illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights.

The confusion seems to be when buses are loading students at the Saratoga Elementary loading area on the south side of the school.

The students' exits and bus loading areas had to be changed to the Elm Street side of the school because of the unfinished construction on Spring Avenue. School buses line up along the south side of the elementary school in the afternoon at approximately 3:20.

Some people stop, others questioned if it was legal to drive past the buses with their red lights flashing.

Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris confirmed drivers must stop and wait for the buses. He said loading the buses takes less than five minutes and suggested those who just can't wait, need to avoid the area.

Morris also stated citations will be and have been written.

Morris feels that people were just confused by the new location and people need a reminder to pay attention.

Wyoming Statute-Title 31-Motor Vehicles-Chapter 5-Regulation of traffic on highways-31-5-507.

Meeting or passing stopped school bus: markings and visual signs.

The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any stopped school bus shall stop before reaching the school bus when there is in operation on the school bus the flashing red lights...and the driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer actuated.