BOXBORO (WBZ-AM) -- There will be an increased police presence at school bus stops and along bus routes in Boxboro this week, in order to increase safety and driver awareness while kids are on their way to school.
Police Chief Warren Ryder said the move stems from an abundance of caution after last week saw five children across the country under the age of ten struck and killed while near their bus stops. The fatal crashes happened in Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
Boxboro Police Lieutenant Warren O'Brien told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz that officers would be following two buses along several dozen stops.
"We wanted to give some reassurance to the parents and the children that we're out there, that we want them to be safe, and that we're doing everything we can to make sure that's an experience that we don't have to deal with here in Boxboro," he said.
Patrol Sergeant Natan Bowolick and another officer are following the buses through some of the busiest roads in town.
"We want to be more proactive in being visible to ensure the safety of our residents," he said. "There's a lot of traffic in the morning, people in a hurry. We want everybody to know that we're there, we're watching, we're trying to keep everybody safe. We'll be behind the buses, and if there's any violations, we'll take action."
Officers are reminding drivers to stop for buses with flashing red lights. The maximum fine for illegally passing a school bus is $200; repeat offenders may have their licenses suspended.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz (@BerniceWBZ) reports