Parents, students, and teachers don’t need a reminder that the end of August and the beginning of September means heading back to school. For drivers, this means sharing the road with school buses again and more kids and teenagers making their way to and from school in the morning and afternoon rush hour.
While school bus and traffic laws vary by state, there are a few things every motorist should remind themselves of as a new academic year begins. Follow the rules below for respecting buses and students when school is back in session!
Stop Means Stop
If you get stuck behind a school bus, be prepared to stop often. It may be annoying, but if you don’t, you’re not only breaking the law but also risking children’s safety. You’ll know to stop as the driver puts out their stop sign and the bus lights start flashing—yellow means slow down (not speed up to pass!), and red means come to a full stop. Don’t move until the sign is gone, the lights are off, and the bus starts moving.
Keep Distance Between You and the Bus
You should always give a school bus about 10 feet of space when following behind, whether you’re in motion or stopped. You never know when a child might dart behind the bus, trying to catch it as it comes to a stop. Leaving this space on the road is important to ensure you’re ready in case the bus comes to a sudden stop due to bad weather or another unexpected issue. Plus, it keeps you out of the driver’s blind spot.
Slow Down in School Zones
As school starts back up, the school speed limit reactivates, too. Be on the lookout for school zones so you can slow appropriately to pass, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Also, remember that some students will likely be at school before normal hours, getting dropped off and staying later for after-school activities. Proceed cautiously until the zone ends, watching for children in the area.
Yield at Crosswalks
When you start to see school buses back on the road, expect to see crossing guards with them. Guards will be stationed not just in school zones but in neighborhoods around schools to direct traffic around bus stops and for students walking to and from the building. Pay attention to them as you approach and watch for their signs to obey. Don’t block crosswalks either, as you stop at red lights.
Don’t Forget About Bicycles
Many older kids and teenagers ride their bikes to and from school. Be on the lookout for bicycles on the road and try to give them at least three feet of space. If you’re behind a bike, move slowly in case it stops or turns unexpectedly. As you drive through neighborhoods and around schools, check for bikes coming out of driveways or behind parked cars.
Be Alert and Proceed With Caution
As you’re following these road rules, remember, above all else, that children can be unpredictable. Unfortunately, kids don’t always follow all the safety practices they should. Older kids get lazy and distracted, while younger children may not fully understand them in the first place. It’s your responsibility as a driver to be vigilant. Go slow, check your mirrors, and always give extra time to buses and pedestrians to account for children’s mistakes.
As a leading provider of new and used school buses nationwide, Las Vegas Bus Sales always operates with your and your passengers’ safety in mind. If you’re in the market for another school bus for your fleet, contact us today at (877)456-9804, and we’ll set you up with exactly what you need!
