In a press release from the Hays Police Department:

“The Hays Police Department would like to remind motorists of the laws and penalties for passing school buses and speeding through school zones. Chief Scheibler has met with USD 489 Transportation Director Russ Henningsen and learned that the bus drivers are continuing to see these violations. These laws were put in place to protect our most valuable resource, our students. It is important for drivers to know that officers strictly enforce these laws, and the penalties are appropriately stiff.

“It is unlawful for a driver to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children when its stop signal arm is extended. The driver is required to stop his or her vehicle before passing the school bus from either direction. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights and the stop sign are no longer activated. The fine for a first conviction is $100.00 plus a $70.00 fee for court costs.

“We also want to remind drivers that the speed limit in school zones is 20 mph.  The fine for speeding in a school zone is doubled and includes a $70.00 fee for court costs.

“It is the responsibility of the entire community to ensure the safety of our children and we must work together to protect them.”

The following is a PSA sent out by USD 489. The PSA is being distributed throughout the state by the Kansas State Department of Education as a reminder of how to keep children safe.