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Chief
Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley
Chief of Police
School busses have many rules and
regulations associated with their operation and the conduct of other
drivers. I was recently asked about the sign on the rear of a school bus
which warns drivers to keep back 100 feet. The person wanted to know if
this is simply a warning to drivers or is this actually covered by law?
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 13 provides many
rules pertaining to school busses. A portion of this law specifically
prohibits operators of motor vehicles from driving "within a distance of
100 feet behind a school bus." The law requires every bus to have a sign
which displays the words "keep back 100 feet" displayed on the rear of the
bus. This sign must be bold enough so as to be seen at a distance of at
least the 100 feet. A first offense penalty for a violation carries a $35
civil fine.
This law is in place for the obvious reasons of preventing
accidents and injuries to children. Some children do not pay attention to
other vehicles when entering or exiting a bus. Other operators on the
road must exercise additional precautions in order to avoid a harmful
situation.
I wish to take a moment to thank the
residents and Town Officials who participated in the Annual Town Meeting
held on Monday June 19th. The business of the meeting was
completed in one night and our new fiscal year budget can proceed on
schedule. Thanks again to all who took time from their lives to
participate in this process.
VALGO Construction of Dudley is once again holding a Boston
Red Sox Ticket Raffle to benefit the Dudley DARE Program. Winners
selected will receive tickets to a Red Sox home game this Season. All
proceeds of this raffle go to the Dudley Police DARE Program. Tickets are
$1 each and are available at Peter’s Hair Salon on West Main Street and
O’Connor and Company Insurance on Village Street. The drawing will take
place on August 1st. My thanks go to VALGO Construction for
their support of the DARE program.
Thanks again
for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley
Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at
swojnar@dudleypolice.com.
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