Safety Tips For Motorists That Share The Road With School Buses

Safety Tips For Motorists That Share The Road With School Buses

Back to school can be a busy time of the year especially for those who routinely travel on roads where school buses make frequent stops. One of the best ways to ensure the greatest level of safety when operating a motor vehicle around school buses is to follow some basic safety tips. For example, in virtually every state in the country it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children.

Red Flashing Lights And A Stop Sign

This type of activity carries a heavy fine but more importantly can injure children. Drivers should always play it safe and exercise extreme caution when operating around school buses. In addition, drivers should pay particular attention to the flashing lights that are typically displayed by a school bus. Flashing yellow lights indicate to motorists that a school bus is about to stop. While red flashing lights and a stop sign that is extended from the bus indicates the children are entering or exiting the school bus.

Entering Or Exiting The Bus

Motorists should heed to all school bus lighting as a way to keep safety always in check. As an added note, vehicular traffic in both directions on an undivided road should be prepared to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children. Another essential safety tip that sometimes goes overlooked is providing adequate space when stopping for a school bus. In general, drivers should stop 10 to 12 feet from a school bus as to allow children the space they need when entering or exiting the bus.

Ensure The Highest Levels Of Safety

Finally, drivers of motorcycles, automobiles and trucks should exercise extreme caution when operating near a school bus or bus stop. Children are typically unpredictable and erratic in behavior. This means children can dart out in front of a vehicle or even crawl under a large truck unexpectedly. Drivers should stay proactive and carefully watch children as they enter or exit the school bus to ensure the highest levels of safety at all times. As an added note it is never acceptable to pass a bus on the right side. This is an illegal activity that can have serious consequences including resulting in tragic accidents. Contact Hastings & Hastings today for a Phoenix accident lawyer that is dedicated and focused.