To the editor:

As Operations Manager for the Transportation Department of Jones County Schools, I feel that it is my duty to further the safety of the children who are riding our school buses by informing the public of a dangerous situation that is getting worse everyday.

Bus drivers are reporting daily incidents of careless drivers going through their flashing red lights and stop signs while students are crossing the road. I have bus drivers all over the county calling in daily that someone has just ran their stop arm and flashing lights while they are loading or unloading children. This is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Every child on these buses should be able to go to school without the constant danger of being run over by an impatient, reckless or apparently uncaring driver. Why take the risk of breaking the “Do Not Pass While School Bus is Loading or Unloading Law.” If someone breaks this law and injures or kills a child, their own life as they know it will be changed forever. Along with jail terms and fines, their family’s financial future will also be ruined through wrongful death lawsuits and attorney fees.

We are currently running one hundred and thirty buses on routes both morning and evening in Jones County. They start as early as 6 a.m. until about 7:45 a.m. and in the afternoons from 2:30 until about 4:15 p.m. The chances are very high that if you are on the road during these hours that you are going to see a school bus.

Please, for the safety of our children, DO NOT PASS a stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading.

— Vernon McCree

Operations Manger for the

Transportation Dept.

Jones County School District