DECATUR, Ala. — Pretty soon, roads will be full of parents and bus drivers taking children to school. Even if you don't have a kid in school, schools bus and school zone traffic rules apply to you.
A spokesperson for the Decatur Police Department said officers advise that drivers don't pass school busses. In Alabama, the minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus is $150.
"It's very important to make sure our kids are getting to and from school safely," said Decatur Police Department Public Information Liaison Irene Cardenas Martinez. "We don't want any accidents, any injuries and that's just kind of the best way to prevent that."
Alabama law requires drivers to stop for a school bus - even if they're on the other side of the street. This applies to every road that does NOT have a physical median dividing it.
Additionally, police urge drivers to pay attention to crossing guards and the posted speed limit when driving through a school zone.
"During school hours, of course, the yellow lights are flashing. They want you to slow down in those areas," said Cardenas Martinez. "Always pay attention to crosswalks."
The Decatur Police Department is also looking to hire part-time crossing guards for the upcoming school year. Interested individuals must have either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. For more information or to find an application, visit the city of Decatur's website.