School is back in full swing all around the local area, and with that comes the school buses in the morning and afternoon.

Kalama Police Chief Robbie Satterly and Kalama Schools Superintendent Westley Benjamin want to remind drivers to use extra caution around walking, biking and bus-riding students.

In Washington State, drivers who illegally pass a school bus face a mandatory $500 fine. To ensure student safety, starting the week of September 21st, Kalama Police will be following school buses throughout the city to monitor traffic behavior and keep routes secure.

Washington State bus drivers reportedly see 960 illegal passes in just a single day.