Marion officials report increase in school bus stop-arm violations

School officials and police in Marion say they’ve seen a significant increase in drivers illegally passing stopped school buses this school year. Linn-Mar Community School District, Marion Independent School District and the Marion Police Department reported 67 stop-arm violations during the first 30 days of the school year. Officials said the number is significantly higher than in previous years and has continued to rise beyond the start of school. “Every stop arm violation represents a situation where a student’s safety is put at risk,” Linn-Mar Superintendent Nathan Wear said. Iowa law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. On a two-way road, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction also must stop. Students may be crossing the street, walking alongside the bus or emerging from a driver’s blind spot, officials said. Marion police investigate each reported violation and review bus camera footage.

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