|
Local patrolmen join 'Operation Stop Arm'
By Carey Phillips
Highway patrol troopers in Jackson County have been joining their colleagues from across the state this week in a crackdown on motorists who pass stopped school buses.
"Operation Stop Arm" is being held in conjunction with Gov. Mike Easley proclaiming Feb. 7-11 as "Watch out for the Child Week" in North Carolina.
Troopers are boarding buses across the state to watch for violators while other officers, sometimes using unmarked cars, are following the buses. Locally, Trooper Denny Wood has been assigned to ride buses.
State officials say more than 2,000 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses each school day.
Passing a stopped school bus is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If convicted, drivers may receive five points on their operator's license and pay a fine up to $200 plus court costs.
|
