As the school year begins, millions of students across the country will board school buses. It’s crucial for vehicle drivers to understand and follow school bus safety rules to ensure safe journeys for these young passengers. Here’s a guide on school bus safety for vehicle drivers.
Understanding the Signals
- Yellow Flashing Lights – Prepare to Stop: When a school bus flashes its yellow lights, it is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and be ready to stop.
- Red Flashing Lights and Extended Stop Arm – Stop Immediately: When the bus displays red flashing lights and extends its stop arm, it means children are getting on or off the bus. Drivers must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus starts moving before they can resume driving.
Stopping for School Buses
- Two-Lane Roads – Both Directions Must Stop: On two-lane roads, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
- Multi-Lane Paved Across – All Lanes Must Stop: On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus when it has red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
- Divided Highway with a Median – Opposite Traffic Does Not Stop: If the highway is divided by a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers), only traffic following the bus must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. However, always drive cautiously and watch for children crossing the street.
Speed Limits and Caution Zones
- School Zones – Adhere to Speed Limits: Always follow the reduced speed limits in school zones. These areas are designated for the safety of children traveling to and from school.
- Neighborhoods – Drive Slowly: Slow down and watch for children, especially around bus stops and near schools. Children can be unpredictable and may dart into the street unexpectedly.
General Awareness and Safety Tips
- Blind Spots – Be Aware: Be conscious of the school bus’s blind spots. If you can’t see the bus driver, they likely can’t see you.
- Be Patient – No Overtaking on the Right: Never overtake a stopped school bus on the right side, where children enter or exit. It’s illegal and highly dangerous.
- Wait for Children: Allow extra time for children to cross the road safely. Young children may take longer and may not be aware of oncoming traffic.
- Distraction-Free Driving: Avoid distractions like cell phones while driving, especially in school zones and residential areas.
Important Statistics and New Regulations
- Crash Statistics: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2022, there were almost 3,000 crashes involving school buses. This highlights the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety rules.
- New Florida Law: A 2023 Florida law now permits school districts to capture camera images of drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus with red flashing lights and an extended stop sign. Drivers will receive a minimum fine of $265. If you pass on the side where children enter and exit, you will face a minimum fine of $465.
- Ensuring the safety of students during their daily bus journeys requires diligence and adherence to traffic laws by vehicle drivers. By following these guidelines, drivers can help create a safer environment for all students. Let’s work together to make this school year not only successful but also safe for all our young learners.