SPD, GCSO partner with Springfield Public Schools for school bus stop-arm enforcement campaign

Springfield, Mo. ~ Springfield, Mo. - In an effort to promote student safety during National School Bus Safety Week, the Springfield Police Department (SPD) and the Greene County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) have joined forces with Springfield Public Schools (SPS). The campaign, which runs from October 20-24, 2025, aims to raise awareness and enforce traffic laws near school bus routes and loading zones.

SPD and GCSO traffic officers will be increasing patrols in both the city and county to crack down on stop-arm violations and educate drivers. According to Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams, stopping for a school bus is not just a suggestion - it's the law. "Stopping protects lives and keeps our community's most vulnerable members safe," he stated. "If one reminder or one stop prevents a tragedy, then every effort is worth it."

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the campaign is about more than just enforcement. "It's about awareness," he said. "When we prioritize safety at school bus stops, we're showing our commitment to the well-being of every family in Greene County."

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The theme for this year's campaign is "Safe Stops. Stronger Communities." This highlights the importance of every traffic stop as an opportunity to protect lives. As Springfield Public Schools Police Chief Jim Farrell put it, "Every stop is a chance to do the right thing." He urged drivers to always practice safe and attentive driving.

Funding for these enforcement efforts comes in part from a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

This partnership between law enforcement agencies and schools aligns with Springfield's commitment to safer streets. Since 2017, when the nationally recognized SGF Yields pedestrian safety campaign was launched, there have been significant improvements in crosswalk compliance and overall safety for motorists and pedestrians. This has been achieved through education, engineering, and enforcement efforts by the SPD and Springfield Public Works. More information about SGF Yields and safety tips can be found at springfieldmo.gov/SGFYields.

In late 2024, the Springfield City Council adopted the Safer Streets SGF Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040 and disabling injury crashes by 2050. This aligns with the Vision Zero safety strategy, which has been implemented by the city. Residents are encouraged to get involved and learn more about this effort at springfieldmo.gov/saferstreets.

As National School Bus Safety Week approaches, the SPD, GCSO, and SPS are reminding drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. By working together, they hope to ensure that every child safely gets to and from school.

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