Judge requiring court for drivers passing schools buses

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — Drivers in one central Indiana county will have to start going before a judge if they are caught passing a stopped school bus.

The change in Delaware County comes as a tougher state law was adopted this year after three siblings were fatally struck in October near Rochester while crossing a highway to board their stopped school bus.

Muncie City Court Judge Amanda Dunnuck says she wants to change behaviors rather than allowing ticketed drivers to simply pay a $75 fine. Dunnuck tells The Star Press that she’ll be able to review a person’s driving record and decide whether a larger fine or driver’s license suspension is warranted.

LaGrange County is increasing enforcement by randomly placing police officers on school buses to watch for violators.