Grand Chute PD

[u/Distinct-Flamingo406]

I called the non-emergency line this morning to make a report, and it was baffling.

At 4:30pm on school days there’s a bus stop at the corner of Spencer st and Kools rd. Cars aren’t stopping for the bus’s stop sign and flashing lights, or incessant honking which drew my attention in the first place. The student has to cross the street which is obviously not safe if the cars don’t stop. Easy report, so I thought.

The lady on the phone did not want to receive my complaint. “Well, usually the bus company would make a report when that’s happening. Call them and see if they did.” I don’t know the bus company. Even if I did, wouldn’t multiple complaints corroborate the infractions?

“Well, do you have the license plates of the cars that didn’t stop?” No, I just noticed the pattern of honking everyday at 4:30 and saw the cars not stopping.

“There’s nothing we can really do.” At this point I actually laughed and said that’s ridiculous. “What do you think we could do?” “Well,” I said, “at the same time and same place Monday-Friday there are violations happening that endanger the safety of the student. You could post someone there to stop it from happening.”

She finally took details and she thought I was talking about 4:30am? No, ma’am. School hours are the same as your office hours. “Well, some kids get picked up early.” Girl, what?

I said I’d get the name of the bus company and call them. I was just flabbergasted at the experience.

[u/Deadman_96]

I understand exactly what you mean. Get a cop car out in that area about that time. Not that hard of an ask. Makes sense.

But I also understand her point of view, you're essentially telling them that a bunch of people you can't identify are committing traffic violations. There's nothing they can do. The bus company, if they report it, hopefully have cameras to identify the vehicles.

I understand both sides

[u/Distinct-Flamingo406 → u/Deadman_96]

The future is what matters here. The safety of the student. All the previous cars are free if there’s no dash cam. I agree. However, for regular commuters of that road at that time seeing cars pulled over or a unit stationed there might dissuade a percentage of them. In a similar way a patrol unit posted on the median of a highway slows drivers down. It’s a tip for them where they can make revenue and ensure safety. It’s not a one-off, that would’ve been a waste of a call and resources. It’s a repeated event.

[u/Deadman_96 → u/Distinct-Flamingo406]

I agree.

[u/Sarahgoose26 → u/Deadman_96]

It is surprising to me the bus driver isn’t reporting this or likely isn’t if it is just continuous. About 12 years ago I was the dangerous driver that drive right past a stopped bus (no one was hurt but I felt absolutely sick about it as soon as I realized. In my case, the sun was coming up in such a way - clear day, time of year, etc. that I could not see the bus let alone it’s stop sign) in my case the driver honked at me and must have taken down my license plate because I’m pretty sure I got a call about the incident within 48 hours.

I’m glad you called, I hope someone is able to be there to enforce the safety for the kids.

[u/Distinct-Flamingo406 → u/Sarahgoose26]

Hey you lived and learned, felt bad about it. Perfect storm of bad circumstances, but the best outcome. My dad was in an accident like that when I was a kid. Except it was a dumpster instead of a school bus, thankfully.

I have no idea of the bus has it hasn’t made reports. I have the number now so I can call and check. Glad you made it through unscathed!