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Newsfax audio releases - September 5, 2008

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Listed below are MP3 audio files and the text of actualities and wraps associated with WisDOT's Radio NewsFax.

Lieutenant Lauri Steeber, State Patrol, says that every school bus in Wisconsin gets inspected every year from top to bottom, inside and out.

Cut 1: Lt. Lauri Steeber, State Patrol, Department of Transportation  (299 KB/19 seconds)

"When inspecting a school bus, our inspectors check the things you might expect: making sure the brakes are in good shape, that the lights all work, and that emergency doors are functional. They also get under the bus to make sure that the frames are solid and there are no other mechanical issues that may affect the operational safety of the school bus."

Cut 2: Lt. Lauri Steeber, State Patrol, Department of Transportation  (277 KB/18 seconds)

"School bus inspectors go beyond just looking at the mechanical features of a bus. They also check to make sure the spacing between seats is within specifications, that the defrosters all work so the driver's vision isn't impaired, that there's a functioning fire extinguisher on board, and that the mirrors are correctly aligned."

Cut 3: Wrap with Steeber  (754 KB/48 seconds)

School buses are the safest form of transportation to school. Part of the reason school buses are so safe is that every school bus in Wisconsin is inspected every year. State Patrol Lieutenant Lauri Steeber says the buses are inspected top to bottom…

"When inspecting a school bus, our inspectors check the things you might expect: making sure the brakes are in good shape, that the lights all work, and that emergency doors are functional. They also get under the bus to make sure that the frames are solid and there are no other mechanical issues that may affect the operational safety of the school bus."

Steeber says inspectors also check to make sure that things like lights, defrosters, and mirrors are all working and properly aligned and that the swing arm on the front of the bus is working so children don't step directly in front of the bus after exiting. This is Mike Goetzman reporting.

Inspector Dave Harvey, State Patrol, reminds motorists how they need to behave when driving near school buses.

Cut 4: Inspector Dave Harvey, State Patrol, Department of Transportation  (303 KB/19 seconds)

"When approaching a school bus from the front or rear, drivers have to stop at least 20 feet from the bus when it is stopped and its red lights are flashing. That means students are getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the street in front of the bus. Drivers must stay stopped until after the bus turns off its flashing red lights and resumes motion."

Cut 5: Inspector Dave Harvey, State Patrol, Department of Transportation  (294 KB/19 seconds)

"Failing to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing is expensive. In fact, school bus drivers can legally report any violations involving passing or turning in front of their buses. The owner of the vehicle will then be responsible for paying the $312 citation, even if the owner wasn't the driver at the time of the reported violation."

Cut 6: Wrap with Harvey  (741 KB/47 seconds)

Now that school is back in session in most school districts across the state, motorists need to remember the rules of the road when driving around school buses. Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector David Harvey says once a school buses' lights start flashing, it's time to slow down and prepare to stop.

"When approaching a school bus from the front or rear, drivers have to stop at least 20 feet from the bus when it is stopped and its red lights are flashing. That means students are getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the street in front of the bus. Drivers must stay stopped until after the bus turns off its flashing red lights and resumes motion."

Inspector Harvey says failing to stop for a school bus that has its lights flashing can be expensive: a $312 citation plus three or four demerit points, depending on the violation. This is Mike Goetzman reporting.

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Last modified: September 4, 2008