GASTONIA, N.C. — Officers with the Gastonia Police Department say they’ve already issued 60 speeding violations in school zones since the school year began a little more than two weeks ago.
Among the citations issued, one driver was clocked traveling 62 mph in a 25 mph school zone.
At least six other drivers have been caught illegally passing, including five violations specifically for passing a bus with its red lights and stop arm activated.
New video shared by the department shows a driver fly by a stopped school bus. A police officer immediately spotted the violation and pulled them over.
Police are using this as a reminder of the rules of the road.
Drivers in both directions must stop anytime a bus stops on most two- and four-lane roads. Failure to stop could result in a $500 fine, and hitting someone is a felony. That comes with higher fines, losing your license and possible jail time.
Police recommend that kids walking to school or bus stops stick to designated crosswalks and walk alongside other students and families.
The Gastonia Police Department says traffic officers will conduct weekly school-zone speed enforcement patrols and follow school bus routes to monitor drivers who ignore the red lights and stop arm.
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