The temptation to use an empty lane to pass a stopped school bus is strong. After all, why should everybody have to wait for a child to enter or exit a bus, especially when it’s on the other side of the highway?

The simplest answer: It’s the law. The next simple answer is that passing a stopped school bus puts children in danger.

Hundreds of local schoolchildren ride buses to and from school, but the greatest danger they face is not when the bus is moving but when they are getting off or on the bus. The statute for the state of Arizona that deals with school bus law is ARS 28-857. This law says when meeting or overtaking — from either direction — a school bus that is stopped on the highway, the driver of a vehicle on the highway must stop before reaching the school bus if a red octagon with the words “STOP” printed on both sides and the alternating flashing lights are in use by the school bus.

Sgt. Dan Long of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said the areas between the Lone Star turnoff and 20th Street in Safford and in front of JoBi’s Market are the worst places for violations.

Although the fines can be as much as $1,000 for a violation, Long wants people to be even more concerned about the safety of children.

Safford Chief John Griffin and Thatcher Chief Mark Stevens ask motorists to be cautious around school buses, especially on highways where speed limits are higher and there is more traffic.

Griffin said police officers have ridden in buses in past years to catch offenders. An interesting observation these officers made was that most of the offenders were drivers going in the opposite direction of the bus.

Apparently most drivers knew they had to stop when they were behind the bus, but most didn’t realize they had to even if they were on the other side of the highway.

According to the Safe Motorists Web site for the state of Arizona, most violations of the traffic law manual are considered civil violations and can be resolved with a citation from a law enforcement officer.

A violation of the school bus law in this state is different: It is a criminal offense. This means the driver of the vehicle could be placed under arrest and face costly penalties in court.

Following are some tips from the Safe Motorist site that parents may want to share with their children to help them stay safe:

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver say that it’s OK before stepping onto the bus.

• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure the driver can see you and you can see the bus driver.

• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the bus driver may not be able to see you.

Be safe, and happy learning.