In the past three years, the state of Mississippi has lost several children to injuries suffered when cars and other vehicles drove past a stopped school bus. The children were crossing the road and were struck when a vehicle passed the bus.

The personal injury attorneys at Richard Schwartz and Associates have joined in the cause to raise awareness about school bus safety. In 2010, former Governor Hayley Barbour approved Nathan’s Law. This law strengthened and enforced the policies surrounding school buses and school bus accidents. Mississippians need to be aware of the consequences of driving past a stopped school bus, and the risks taken every time it happens.

Approximately 3,000-5,000 times a day in Mississippi, someone illegally passes a school bus. The risks of passing a stopped school bus are immense and the action has serious legal consequences. You never know when a child is crossing the street to get home, or if they’re going to dart out from the bus at the last minute. By actively passing a stopped school bus with its safety arm or stop sign extended, you’re endangering the life of a child and you’re breaking the law.

What can happen if you’re caught illegally passing a school bus?

The first time someone is caught illegally passing a school bus they will be charged with a misdemeanor. The fines associated with this charge can go up from $350-750 dollars and up to one year in jail.

What can happen if you’re caught again illegally passing a school bus?

The second or subsequent times you’re caught illegally passing a school bus you will be charged with another misdemeanor. The fines associated with the second charge range from $750-1500 dollars and up to one year in jail. Additionally,the second listed offense includes a 90-day suspended license


What can happen if a child is injured while you’re illegally passing a school bus?

In the unfortunate circumstance that a child is injured by someone illegally passing a school bus, the driver will be charged with aggravated assault and could face up to 20 years in a penitentiary for this crime.

The safety of our children is serious business. Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi strive to make the community a better, safer place to live. Help us protect our children by sharing this message and raising awareness about school bus safety. What will it take to make YOU stop?