Drivers reminded to watch for students, buses as school resumes

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Several local schools will begin the year on Wednesday including Franklin County, Lawrenceburg, South Dearborn, South Ripley, Sunman-Dearborn, and North and South Decatur. 

Some schools like Greensburg and Rising Sun began earlier this week while others like Milan and Batesville won’t start until next week. 

Regardless of the first day, drivers should be aware of school buses and school zones in their communities. 

It’s illegal to pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing. 

Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus on two-lane roads. On a road with four lanes, all traffic traveling in the same direction must stop. 

The Greendale Police Department will be increasing patrols and will have a zero tolerance policy for stop arm violations.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office saw an uptick in illegal passing of school buses in 2025 and shared a dash cam video of violators in the media player above.

The Lawrenceburg Police Department also provided this image to remind drivers of school bus laws: