Highway patrol supports Operation Stop Arm week

October 15, 2012

In support of Operation Stop Arm week, the N.C. State Highway Patrol will aggressively enforce stop arm violations and other traffic violations in and around school zones. The operation began Monday and continues through Friday, Oct. 19. The goal is to decrease violations and reduce school bus collisions.

“We must protect our children from traffic dangers,” N.C. State Highway Patrol Commander, Col. Micael W. Gilchrist said. “The Highway Patrol will conduct this school bus campaign simultaneously in all North Carolina counties, cracking down on stop arm violations. Motorists who try to pass a stopped school bus will be charged with a violation.”
 
State Highway Patrol reports that passing a stopped school bus is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, a person will receive five driving points on their license and fines up to $200. Passing a stopped school bus is a Class I Felony if the driver strikes an individual and a Class H Felony should the violation result in death.

To read more of this story, pick up the Tuesday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.