Amidst the morning hustle, children clamber onto school buses, their chattering fades into the hum of the engine — a routine scene in Duluth. Yet, the journey that promises to be a safe passage to learning institutions is marred by a spate of stop-arm violations. According to the Duluth Police Department, a disturbing uptick in these violations has been recorded, reaching a high of 142 in 2024, and already hitting 40 in 2025, including one on the first day of school.
Sergeant Mike Jambor of the Duluth Police Department has issued a call to arms for the community in a bid to combat this growing concern, "The safety of students is all our responsibility, and one stop arm violation is too many," he said, emphasizing the shared duty to protect the young ones. With high-quality camera systems installed on all school buses serving Duluth students, they're cracking down on offenders without prejudice. “If you violate these laws, expect a citation,” Jambor warned.
Conveying the rules for the uninitiated, it's simple: slow down for flashing yellow lights on a bus, and come to a halt when red lights are flashing with the stop arm extended. It’s not rocket science, but these basics are lifesavers, literally. Yet, despite the crystal-clear protocol and the proactive patrolling by the Duluth cops around schools, the numbers tell a story of negligence, haste, or both, making the roads less safe for children.
The Duluth Police Department, though determined, cannot shoulder this burden alone. "Remember to be aware of the lights on school buses, put down the distractions, and watch out for others while traveling," said Sergeant Jambor. In essence, attentiveness and putting aside distractions are the keystones to enhancing safety and reducing stop arm violations. It's a simple call to action for every resident: be alert, be responsible, be the guardian of a child's safe passage.
For those interested in seeing the stark reality of these breaches, footage of a stop arm violation incident in Duluth can be viewed via the provided link. There is also a video available featuring School Resource Officers sharing tips on school bus safety.
