Most people would agree children are the most valuable and precious items bestowed upon us. Our children mean the world to us and we shudder to think of them being put in harm’s way.

Unfortunately, there are some in our world who do not think of the consequences when they risk the lives of our children.

That was the case in 2011 when a driver decided to pass a stopped school bus and killed 5-year-old Nathan Key in Jones County. His death led to legislation that is known as “Nathan’s Law,” increasing the penalties for violators.

“It makes people aware and tries to get them to slow down and be more observant when school buses are loading and unloading,” Robert Bass, VWSD Transportation Director, said of the law. “This was at an unloading zone. It was actually at his (Nathan’s) bus stop where he was unloading off the bus and a car came around and killed him.”

Nathan’s Law requires all cars to stop at least 10 feet from a bus stopped for loading or unloading students. Cars are required to remain stopped until children have completed crossing the street and the bus retracts the stop sign and turns off its red flashing lights.

Before Nathan’s Law, the fine ranged from $200 – $500, but now violators can receive $350 – $1,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.

If a child exiting or boarding the school bus is injured, the fines can reach $5,000 and the offender may be sentenced to up to 20 years in jail.

This week, 50 of the Vicksburg Warren School District’s buses have a new bit of decoration.

In honor of National Bus Safety Month, the VWSD buses have added a “Remember Nathan’s Law” license plate sign.

It’s a shame that some drivers need such a reminder when they see a stopped school bus.

But nothing is more important than our children.