According to the Pharos-Tribune, Indiana Senate District 18 saw four student deaths relating to school buses in just over a month. Meanwhile, the state senator for District 18 intends to file a bill in response to the deaths.
It was reported that the representative of Indiana Senate District 18, State Sen. Randy Head, intends to file a bill during the Indiana General Assembly’s legislation next month, to improve school bus safety.
A preliminary draft of that bill states that children should not have to cross state highways to reach school buses, school districts can petition to reduce speed limits near bus stops and those penalties for traffic law violations resulting in death be increased.
However, the Cass County Highway Superintendent, Jeff Smith, said, according to the article, the plan is a good idea but needs updates. He said he agrees with same-side pick-ups on state highways, but it should also include bus stops on busier high-speed thoroughfares.
Smith also said that difficulties could be created if school districts are allowed to petition for lower speed limits at bus stops, since they move frequently. Different speed limits across short stretches of road would be difficult to enforce and could result in more danger, Smith noted, according to the article.
Related: Indiana Becomes a Flash Point for School Bus Safety
