Make students’ safety a priority

Statements by Linn County Assistant Attorney Matt Kishinami and Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness in the Aug. 11 article 'Law doesn't stop dangerous drivers” are cause for concern.

School bus regulations have been included in Iowa Department of Transportation testing for decades. Ignorance is an acceptable plea for these attorneys?

Buses are big, 8 x 40 x 10 feet, painted bright yellow, have flashing red lights and a stop arm deployed when picking up or dropping off students. School buses rarely pop out from behind a bush.

Bus drivers are CDL holders, certified by the Iowa Department of Transportation, subject to background searches, required to submit certification of health, held to a higher standard concerning alcohol use and they must submit to random drug and alcohol testing or lose their driving privileges. Bus drivers are professionals trained in the requirements of 'Kadyn's Law.” They would rather not be the authority over the penalty, believing state and federal laws should mandate front and rear focusing stop arm cameras on all school buses should ensure prosecution of violators. If someone cannot notice a school bus with red flashing lights, how will they notice a small child darting out in front of it? Kadyn could have been your child, grandchild, a niece or nephew. Demand enforcement.

Paul Anderson

Cedar Rapids