VIROQUA, Wis. — As students across Vernon County return to school this week, Sheriff Roy Torgerson is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert around school buses and crosswalks.
“Children of all ages will be out early in the morning and again in the afternoon,” Torgerson said. “We’ve seen heartbreaking tragedies across the country, including here in Wisconsin that show how quickly lives can be changed by a moment of inattention.”
Torgerson cited fatal incidents in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin that have left families and communities devastated.
Safety tips for motorists
- Slow down in school zones and residential areas.
- Watch for children walking, biking or playing near bus stops.
- Obey school bus signals:
- Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop.
- Red flashing lights and extended stop arms mean the bus is loading or unloading children. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus in either direction unless on a divided highway.
Violators can be fined $676.50 and receive four demerit points. Bus drivers are authorized to report violations to law enforcement.
Pedestrian laws
Wisconsin law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who:
- Are crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Have entered an intersection on a walk signal or green light.
- Are directed by a school crossing guard.
Crossing guards can report violations, which may result in citations ranging from $175 to $326.
Tips for students and caregivers
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early and stay six feet from the curb.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely and for the driver’s signal before boarding.
- Never walk behind a bus. Cross in front with at least 10 feet of space and make eye contact with the driver.
- If something is dropped near the bus, alert the driver. Do not retrieve it yourself.
Torgerson urged residents to share the message with neighbors, friends and family.
“Young lives depend on you driving safely,” he said. “Let’s make this school year a safe one for every child in Vernon County.”
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