"It is a Real Threat to the Safety of our Children" - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

"It is a Real Threat to the Safety of our Children"

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By Douglas Fritz - email

  • Local NewsLocal News

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The West Virginia Board of Education issued a statement on Sunday, Aug. 19 asking drivers to put down their cell phones when they get behind the wheel.

"Not only is it against the law to do so in West Virginia," said state Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple," it is a real threat to the safety of our children."

According to the release, a survey of West Virginia school transportation directors shoed that on any given school day, about 600 motorists illegally pass stopped school buses.

"When motorists fail to obey the law, they endanger the lives of our children, or drivers and themselves," said Marple.  "It is our responsibility as parents, students, bus operators, motorists, and school administrators to obey the law and provide a safe ride for our children."

About 3,000 West Virginia school buses travel nearly 43 million miles each year.

Classes in Fayette County schools began on Monday, Aug. 20 and Raleigh County is already back in session.  The rest of the schools in southern West Virginia are expected to return to class over the next week.

Drivers who fail to stop when a school bus stops and flashes its warning lights can be charged with a felony if their actions result in injury or death.  A driver who causes an injury faces up to three years in prison.