New Indiana Laws Aim to Keep School Children Safe

WITZ RADIO NEWS IS AN AFFILIATE OF NETWORK INDIANA

STATEWIDE -- New Indiana laws are focusing on increasing safety for school children. State Representative Jim Pressel says the state now has harsher punishment for drivers who don't stop for school buses.

"As our children get on those buses in the morning and get off those buses in the evening we need to do a better job of keeping them safe," Pressel said. "The escalation of penalties was a needed deterrent in order to get people to realize that this is a real issue."

State transportation experts say nearly 2,500 drivers ignore the law requiring them to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children. Now, Hoosiers face having their licenses suspended for 90 days if they refuse to stop.

The Max Strong Bill was enacted into law this year, following the deaths of three children in Fulton County who were hit by a speeding car last year. The bill also requires stop arm cameras, specific road crossing rules and violations could lead to misdemeanor charges.