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Kannapolis cracks down on drivers passing stopped school buses

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Kannapolis police have launched a major operation to make sure children are safe on school buses.

Police are following buses to watch for drivers who are breaking the law.

“We want people to stop,” Sgt. Brent Rowland said. “We don't want to see children injured.”

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Some drivers don’t obey laws, driving past the buses while they have flashing lights and stops signs out.

Police teamed up with school officials to find out where the traffic crimes happen the most across Kannapolis.

“We put together an (operations) plan for officers to go around and follow these buses to target violators,” Rowland said.

The sergeant said many drivers don’t know the rules.

“A lot of times people do not realize that on a four-lane road, going in the opposite direction, you do have to stop for a stopped school bus,” Rowland said.

Passing a stopped school bus with its stop sign out is a misdemeanor, which could cost five points on a driver’s license.

The charge is a felony if a child is injured.

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