The Transportation department has an ongoing safety concern; we call them Red Runners. It is a car that does not stop for a school bus’s red lights and stop arm. The law states vehicles are supposed to stop at least 20 feet from the bus in either direction. Failure to do so can result in a $300-500 fine. School buses give warning by turning on their yellow flashing lights 100 feet ahead of the stop. Contrary to what we see in the bus, this means to slow down and prepare to stop. The buses then stop and turn on their red flashing lights in preparation for letting a student on or off the bus. Our stop arm cameras allow us to catch any vehicle’s license plate passing the bus and submit any violations to law enforcement to issue a citation.
From the start of school through to the December, 71 school days, we had 59 red runners. That is 83% of our school days that careless drivers are putting our students in danger. Most of our stops are not crossovers (a stop on the opposite side of the road, causing students to have to go across the road) on purpose, but some crossovers cannot be helped. Stops take typically 30 seconds and we believe our students’ safety is worth everyone’s time!
We are far from alone as there are plenty of statistics showing this to be a nationwide problem. Our department has formed a committee to do what we can to educate our community and reduce this number. What can you do? Slow down, put the phone away and pay attention while you are on the road. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors that everyone needs to stop for school bus flashing reds. Share on social media the district’s, the Township Police Department’s or the DOT’s posts on bus safety. 
The East Troy Township Police Department set the goal on Facebook for 0 red runners in 2025. We are sorry to say that we have already had one in January. With your help maybe we can keep it to just that one and keep our kids safer as they get on and off the bus.  
If you have any ideas or want to help, please get ahold of Rachel in Transportation, ext 5902 or neurac@easttroy.k12.wi.us.