Risk Connection: Road to Safety – School Bus Rules

Aug. 2022

Back-to-School: Keeping Roadways Safe

As a motorist, safety on the roadways is your responsibility — here are a few reminders to keep in mind as the school year kicks off and buses are back on the road:

• It’s illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
• Flashing yellow lights alert motorists that buses are preparing to stop.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate that traffic moving in both directions of an undivided roadway must come to a stop, and may not pass the bus for any reason until the stop sign is retracted.
• When warning flashers are blinking in a school zone, vehicles must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections.
• Bus stops are typically dark in the morning, particularly during winter months. Therefore, keeping speeds down and watching for pedestrians is critical.
• Buses make frequent stops — take extra caution when following a bus.

Safe driving habits will protect you, your passengers and other motorists, and pedestrians sharing the road. Always avoid distractions, keep your speed down and be patient.