Safety Rules When Approaching a School Bus

School buses are a familiar sight here in the greater Utica area. And they carry a most precious cargo—our children. For this reason, strict rules govern how other vehicles must behave around school buses.

Following these rules is essential for ensuring the safety of students and preventing accidents.

Unfortunately, not all drivers are aware of these rules, or they may occasionally neglect them in the rush of daily life. Plus, we’re sure you’ve noticed that when kids exit their bus, they run for home without looking both ways.

So below, we outline the key rules that vehicles must follow when encountering school buses on the road.

1. Stop for School Buses with Flashing Red Lights
One of the most important rules regarding school buses in traffic is stopping when the bus’s red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. This means that children are either boarding or exiting the bus, and they may be crossing the street. Failing to stop in this situation is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous.

In most places, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm is extended. This rule applies to two-lane roads, where the bus blocks the entire roadway. On four-lane roads vehicles in both directions must also stop.

2. Watch for Yellow Lights
Before the red lights come on and the stop arm extends, school buses will usually flash yellow lights. This is a warning to drivers that the bus is about to stop. When you see yellow flashing lights, slow down and prepare to stop.

Ignoring this warning and attempting to speed past the bus before it stops can result in severe consequences, especially if children are already approaching the street to board the bus.

3. Stay Alert in School Zones and Near Bus Stops
When driving through school zones or near designated bus stops, it’s essential to reduce your speed and stay vigilant. Children can be unpredictable, and they may run into the street without warning.

Drivers should always be prepared to stop suddenly in these areas and avoid distractions such as texting or using a phone. Keep in mind that school zones often have reduced speed limits during certain times of the day, and obeying these limits is crucial.

Additionally, be mindful of pedestrians, particularly younger children, walking near bus stops. In areas where visibility might be limited, such as residential neighborhoods or roads with many parked cars, extra caution is required.

4. Do Not Pass a Stopped School Bus
Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in almost every jurisdiction. This rule applies when a bus is loading or unloading children and has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Passing a school bus in this situation is a severe traffic violation that can result in significant fines, points on your driver’s license, and in some cases, suspension of your license.

The reason for this rule is simple: when a bus is stopped, children are often crossing the road or walking near the bus, and they may not always be visible to drivers. Passing a bus could put a child in direct danger.

5. Penalties for Violating School Bus Rules
Laws governing how vehicles interact with school buses are strictly enforced, and for good reason. Penalties for violating these rules can be harsh. In New York State, the first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.

Those who receive points on their driving record may experience higher insurance premiums and, in some cases, suspension of their license. Many school buses are now equipped with cameras to catch offenders, making it easier for law enforcement to enforce these rules even when they are not present on the scene.

School bus rules for vehicles in traffic are designed to protect the safety of children and ensure that they can travel to and from school without risk. It is the responsibility of every driver to know and follow these rules.

Whether it’s stopping for flashing red lights, slowing down for yellow lights, or remaining alert in school zones, adherence to these guidelines is crucial for creating a safe driving environment.

Protecting our kids is priority one in the Mohawk Valley!

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.