Schools everywhere are back in session and students are returning to classes, so now is a good time to refamiliarize yourself with the rules when it comes to sharing the road with school buses. School buses are a very safe mode of transportation. However, school-age children and general motorists should take extra care in and around school buses.
As some of the most regulated vehicles on the road, many safety measures are taken to keep kids safe while in transport. Every state requires stop-arm laws that are designed to keep children safe when entering and exiting school buses. However, school bus safety goes far beyond stop-arms laws.
Simple safety tips for driving around school children
The following are three general tips for driving safely around school zones, bus stops and school buses:
- Yellow lights: When a school bus is flashing yellow lights it means “slow down” because the bus is preparing to stop.
- Red lights: Red lights on a school bus require other motorists to stop and stay at least 20 feet behind the bus. The red light means that children are entering and exiting the bus and motorists should stay stopped until the red light is turned off.
- General alertness: When driving in neighborhoods that have school-aged chi8ldren, school zones and bus stops it is a good time to be extra cautious. Relying on mirrors is not enough, but backing up and turning should be accompanied by a “head-check” to visually see if children are present.
There are numerous safety measures that one could take with school children in mind. The above is a good place to start when driving where children may be present.
Accidents can still happen, despite your best precautions. If you’ve been injured in a wreck with a bus, it may be time to explore your legal options.