By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
NEWTON — A close call involving a school bus and a teenage driver has raised serious concerns about student safety in the Newton area after a vehicle allegedly failed to stop while children were being dropped off.
According to the bus driver’s report, the incident occurred near the intersection of Highway 134 and Highway 123, where the school bus, which was transporting students from a sporting event, was stopped with its stop arm extended and lights activated to allow students to exit. A teenager driving a truck reportedly passed the bus without stopping, narrowly missing one of the students.
“He almost ran over a boy, one of my students,” the driver said. “He flew past the stopped bus and almost took out a student. He came within less than two feet of hitting him.”
The driver said the situation unfolded quickly, occurring around 2:22 p,m, and left her deeply concerned about what could have happened in a matter of seconds.
Alabama law on school bus stops
Under Alabama law, drivers are required to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus that has its red flashing lights activated and stop arm extended while picking up or dropping off students. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus resumes motion, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the warning lights are turned off.
The Alabama State Department of Education and state traffic law make clear that this requirement applies in most roadway situations, including two-lane roads and many undivided highways, where traffic in both directions must stop. Even on some multi-lane roads, drivers are still required to stop depending on the presence or absence of a physical median.
State law also requires drivers to remain alert for children who may be crossing the roadway after exiting a bus.
Violations of the law can carry significant penalties. First offenses typically result in fines ranging from approximately $150 to $300. Repeat offenses can lead to higher fines, mandatory community service, and possible license suspension. More serious or repeated violations can result in fines of up to $1,000, longer suspensions, and in extreme cases, felony charges if a child is injured or killed.
Investigation and concern
No injuries were reported in the incident, and it is not yet clear whether the driver has been identified or if charges will be filed. The bus driver did report, however, that she managed to get the truck’s license plate number to provide to law enforcement. The Dale County Chronicle has reached out to area law enforcement and schools, and we will provide an update once more information becomes available.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by passing stopped school buses and the importance of obeying traffic laws designed to protect children.
Officials continue to emphasize that motorists must slow down, remain alert, and stop immediately when a school bus is actively loading or unloading students.
Residents are encouraged to report reckless driving around school buses to local law enforcement.
