Sharing the Road with School Buses
If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
* Never pass a bus from behind - or from either direction if you're on an undivided road - if it is stopped to load or unload children.
* If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
* The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
* Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present - especially before and after school.
If You're Dropping Off
Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:
* Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
* Don't load or unload children across the street from the school.
* Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
Buses
