DATE: August 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Back to School Traffic Safety Enforcement
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0810
CONTACT: Major Matt Corn
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
As the new school year begins, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is increasing traffic enforcement around schools and along bus routes to help ensure a safe and smooth start for students, staff, and families.
The return to school brings a significant increase in traffic near campuses, including new bus routes and stops, congestion during pick-up and drop-off times, and new student drivers on the roads. Deputies are assisting school personnel with directing traffic at several locations to keep vehicles moving safely in and out of school parking lots.
The Sheriff’s Office currently assigns specially trained School Resource Deputies to schools outside the city limits of Evansville. These deputies provide law enforcement services, campus security, emergency response planning, and positive mentoring relationships with students throughout the academic year.
Over the next several weeks, deputies will increase patrols focused on identifying and stopping stop-arm violations, speeding in school zones, distracted driving, and other dangerous driving behaviors. The enforcement campaign is supported by grant funding from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), made possible through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sheriff Noah Robinson said the start of the school year serves as an important reminder that every driver shares responsibility for protecting children.
“When school is back in session, our youngest community members are counting on adults to make responsible decisions behind the wheel. Slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch for children who may be crossing streets or boarding buses. A few extra seconds of caution can prevent tragedy.”
Passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended remains one of the most dangerous and preventable traffic violations. Under Indiana law, passing a stopped school bus displaying its stop arm is a Class A Misdemeanor. If the violation results in bodily injury to another person, it becomes a Level 6 Felony.
Despite the law, stop-arm violations continue to occur across Indiana. The Indiana Department of Education’s Office of SchoolTransportation recorded 1,042 stop-arm violations during a single-day survey in April 2026, down from 2,149 violations in 2023. But transportation experts warn that the decrease may not be as significant as it appears.
Back-to-School Safety Tips
- If available, use school bus transportation for your student.
- Take first-day photos at home before arriving at school to help keep drop-off traffic moving.
- Never park in school drop-off or bus loading zones unless directed by school personnel.
- Always use the appropriate child safety restraints for your child’s age and size.
- Obey posted speed limits and remain alert in school zones and near bus stops.
- Stop for school buses displaying a red stop arm or flashing red lights. Children may be crossing the roadway.
- Put away cell phones and other distractions while driving.
- Remind students to stay alert and look for traffic when boarding or exiting the school bus.
- Leave early to avoid rushing and making unsafe driving decisions.
- Report dangerous or reckless driving to 911.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office urges all motorists to exercise patience and remain attentive as students return to classrooms and families settle back into their school-year routines.
Above: What to do when approaching a stopped school bus with a deployed stop arm.
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