Gallipolis, OH – A red pickup truck was caught on camera dangerously swerving through a roadside ditch to pass a stopped school bus as children were crossing the street in Gallia County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred earlier this week, and the vehicle was later located and the driver cited by troopers from the Gallipolis Post. Footage of the near miss was provided by Gallipolis City Schools, who had installed a dash camera on the bus.
Authorities say the truck illegally bypassed the stopped school bus on the right-hand side by driving off the road and through a ditch, narrowly avoiding several students who had just exited the vehicle and were walking across the street.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, the footage underscores a serious traffic safety issue, particularly as schools across Ohio return to session this month.
In Ohio, failure to stop for a school bus can result in a fine of up to $500 and a potential license suspension. The state has increased its enforcement of school bus traffic laws at the start of the school year, with patrols ramped up around pickup and drop-off zones.
Parents and school officials are urging drivers to stay alert during morning and afternoon commute hours and to treat all school buses with caution on the road.
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