Dunlap ‘School Bus Blitz’ targets drivers ignoring stop signs

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Dunlap Police Department and the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to conduct a School Bus Blitz. It’s a move by law enforcement to target those who ignore school bus stop signs. 

“My officer that is on the bus, whenever he sees someone blow through the school bus stop sign or not stopping at it, he calls out the tag number and a description of the vehicle,” said Dunlap Police Chief, Randy Philips. “The officers behind the bus will stop the vehicle and issue a citation.”

During school days, DPD has received numerous complaints from concerned bus drivers and parents. 

Chief Randy Philips with the Dunlap Police Department believes enforcing drivers to stop at a bus stop while children are crossing is important. 

“Kids are everything,” Phillips said. “Our kids are our future and without our kids we have no future. We want to make sure we keep our children safe.”

 According to the Children Safety Network, more than 60,000 child pedestrians are injured every year.  

Chief Phillips says the Police Department wants to bring awareness to bus stop signs.

“We did this two or three years ago and we had really good results with it,” said Phillips. “Everyone liked it, and we got good feedback. We want to do it again and see if we can have the same results.”

The Dunlap Police Department and Sequatchie Sheriff’s Office are asking folks to slow down, be aware of buses stopping and drive with caution. 

Chief Phillips hopes people understand the bus sign is not just a stop sign, it’s a child’s life. 

“People’s lives are busy and everybody’s always wide open. We just want to make sure that they slow down, watch for our children and make sure that our children are safe.” 

Those who fail to stop will be issues a $250 fine, as well as court cost.