ROSSVILLE, Ind. — Many Indiana drivers still ignore school bus stop arms, despite stiff penalties and increased enforcement.
It's why one Clinton County school district is now adding more technology to alert drivers.
Starting this month, Rossville Consolidated School District is piloting "Focus Illuminated Projection" technology — or "FIP." They are the first district in the state to try it out.
The technology projects a red beam onto the road every time a bus stops — one in the back and one in the front. This gives drivers another visual reminder to halt and provide space for students to cross.
Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna said the new technology is just one of several safety tools the district is using to protect students. Many of the buses are also equipped with illuminated signs, flashing lights and cameras.
"This is just another step along those lines to keep our kids safe," Hanna said.
Thankfully, the district has not experienced a tragedy involving students on its school buses, but leaders know there are still too many close calls.
"You'll see them on their phones. I rode with our police department one day following a bus, and it was a semi that bypassed the bus," Hanna said.
Currently, only two of the district's buses are equipped with this new technology. If it works, the district hopes to add it to even more buses in the coming year.
"It's not overly expensive to do. That's the good thing, but it's an option out there to help save lives," Hanna said.
Rossville is approximately 60 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis.