The Traffic Injury Prevention Project sponsored by PennDOT provides school districts, school bus contractors, hospitals, pediatricians, parents and other health care providers with the most current information about the atypical transportation needs of children with special health care needs, teen parents, special education students and the preschool population. Many buses built before these dates have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. It is critical that you understand and follow all state and local laws and regulations regarding approaching a school bus stop. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. If so for fog rain and snow, as well as to let children and parents know its a school bus. The visual signal, in this case, is a stop sign extended out of the bus, flashing red lights, or both. They are used to see the front bumper danger zone area directly in front of the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and the danger zone area to the left and right side of the bus, including the service door and front wheel area. The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus. First of all, slow down. It is important for you to understand and obey these state laws and regulations. These children, though they represent less than 35% of the student population, were involved in 69% of the fatalities (79 out of 114). Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Do not take your eyes off what is happening outside the bus. Be extra careful to look around before moving your vehicle, as children may be walking in front of, behind, or on the side of school buses. Proceed when it is safe. In New York, you stop whenever a school bus is flashing red lights. However, a school bus does not have the slightest edge when involved in an accident with a train. If you see flashing red lights, that means the bus has stopped and is loading or unloading . You can prevent school bus/train accidents by following these recommended procedures. This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road. Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The Danger Zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver (ten feet in front of the bus where the driver may be too high to see a child, ten feet on either side of the bus where a child may be in the drivers blind spot, and the area behind the school. In addition, a stop arm with flashing red lights extends out on the left side of the bus. The hazard lights are amber in colour and are located at the bottom of the bus. What must a driver do at a flashing yellow light? Additionally, you may not have to stop on a controlled access highway. Watch. Strong winds affect the handling of the school bus! They consist of an X with the letters RR and a no-passing marking on 2-lane roads. When you approach a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction What should you do? When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Have the students remain seated until told to exit. Check all mirrors. On all roads. The school bus stop signal arm will be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop. The winners of the poster contest are recognized at an event in Harrisburg held every October as part of National School Bus Safety Week. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(474680, 'f8317e36-6687-4e38-8a37-3c488cada114', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); 330 Kilbourn Building 330 East Kilbourn Avenue Suite 1200 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: (414) 271-1011 (888) 271-1022 (Kilbourn & Broadway), N14 W23833 Stone Ridge Dr.Suite 310Waukesha, WI 53188Phone: (262) 792-0888, Associated Bank Building 4811 South 76th Street Suite 403 Milwaukee, WI 53220 Phone: (414) 281-5700 (One block south of Layton Avenue), 10200 N. Port Washington Road, Suite 201 Mequon, WI 53092 Phone: (262) 240-1138 (Port Washington Road, quarter mile South of Donges Bay Rd, on East side of street street), 111 N. Main StreetSuite 101West Bend, WI 53095Phone: (262) 346-3340. For the safety of students entering and exiting, all vehicles must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its flashing red lights are activated or the stop sign emerges. When you see flashing red or amber warning lights, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop. Wisconsin Department of Transportation School bus laws School bus laws A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator extinguishes the flashing red warning lights. (1) The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately . If you're behind it, it's illegal to pass on the right side. Children can be unpredictable and may try to cross the road when its not safe to do so. When all students are accounted for, prepare to leave by: When it is safe, move the bus, enter the traffic flow, and continue the route. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. Slow down and be prepared to stop if you see a school bus displaying this signal. Approaching the bus from the rear: When approaching from the rear, the rules are the same as for a two- or three- lane road. Vehicle Owners - A law was passed in 2019 1 that authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses to impose penalties on the owners of vehicles which pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. The outside convex mirrors? RELATED SCHOOL CONTENT: Sacramento approves. Drive and brake as you always have. Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects before, during, and after coming to a stop. The driver must evacuate the bus when: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. Apply for a license or ID card (including REAL ID). Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. If your bus is so equipped, the overhead strobe light should be used when you have limited visibility. Drive so you never need to use your ABS. If possible, the drivers should get identifying information regarding the vehicle and file the information with local authorities. Gates. Determine the Need to Evacuate the Bus. The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, load or unload children. Teach them how to assist the other students off the bus. Additionally, you must wait until the children are clear of the road and the sign is withdrawn for you to proceed. Drivers who speed past a school bus will not avoid a ticket. Know the length of your bus and size of the containment area at railroad-highway crossings on the school bus route, as well as any crossing you encounter in the course of a school activity trip. It is also an opportunity to honor the many school bus drivers that safely transport students to and from school every day. See Figure 10.8. If you leave something on the bus or drop something outside of the bus, never go back for it. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. The adoption of this system will improve student transportation and road safety and align Ontario with measures taken in all . Police officers, school crossing guards, and even school bus drivers themselves may have the . They are used to monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle. What should you be able to see if the outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly? If a school bus stops on a two lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop. Establish a positive relationship with your students. A first-, second- and third-place winner is chosen in each category. However, you must recognize there may not be older, responsible students on the bus at the time of the emergency. You should never change the location of a bus stop without written approval from the appropriate school district official. If you see flashing yellow lights, that means the school bus is about to stop. And at that time you're not supposed to pass them. To attract attention, most school buses display flashing amber or red lights, or a lowered "STOP" arm when stopped. You are the first authority figure they encounter, and you set the tone for the day. Flashing lights and speed limit signs are self-explanatory. School buses not only alert drivers to the presence of children, but the rules of the road require drivers to act in a certain way around buses to enhance the safety of the children getting off the bus. How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. A flashing red light at an intersection means: Stop and yield the right of way. How Far Away Should I Stop for a School Bus? Your visibility could be only slightly limited or be so bad that you can see nothing at all. Stopping to pick up the object or returning to pick up the object may cause the student to disappear from the drivers sight at a very dangerous moment. An emergency situation can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Direct and mirror view vision should overlap. Practice here. Whenever drivers are in the presence of school buses, they should be where they can stop at any time. Do not pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing? Escort all students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any grades 1 through eighth, who need to cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped. Like most other states, school bus rules in Texas dictate you stop if you see the flashing red lights. Operation Safe Stop is a proactive approach to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus, when children are loading or unloading, is dangerous and illegal. First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail, Second conviction within 3 years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail, Vehicle Owners - A law was passed in 2019, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) website, Automated Records Access for Businesses and Government, DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application. Below are examples of school bus laws according to Drive-Safety in different heavily populated states where some minor differences might crop up. Flashing Red Light Signals. They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield on the drivers side area of the bus. There are exceptions to these school bus laws. Instead, call your dispatcher. You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused by over braking. Generally, if a stopped school bus is displaying a flashing, alternating red lamp, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop and wait until the bus moves again or the red light is off. Information is available for passenger vehicles, school buses/vehicles, as well as, wheelchairs and child passenger safety restraints. Would moving students complicate injuries such as neck and back injuries and fractures? Each year, during National School Bus Safety Week, PennDOT works with Pennsylvania State and municipal police departments to conduct Operation Safe Stop. The fine for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is $402 . Chapter 33 - Rules of the Road in General 3345 - Meeting or overtaking school bus. - When a school bus turns on its flashing lights or the driver extends the stop signs on the sides of the bus, you muststop your vehicle at least 5 metres (16 feet) away from the bus. Even if there are active railroad signals that indicate the tracks are clear, you must look and listen to be sure it is safe to proceed. You need to check your mirrors before and during any turning movements to monitor the tail swing. For more information on the contest, and to view previous winners, click here. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. After unloading all children at the school or after your last stop, make sure to do a post-trip of your bus and check to make sure that no child has been left on the bus. Plan your route so it provides maximum sight distance at railroad-highway crossings. If you're on a road with three or more lanes, you need to stop if you're traveling in the same direction as the bus. As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control. How many feet around a school bus is considered the danger zone? Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. According to Texas law, drivers have to stop when a school bus extends its stop sign or when it turns on its flashing red lights. Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop. According to Florida Statute 316.172, you must stop when approaching any school bus that displays the stop signal and has its red lights flashing. You should be thoroughly familiar with California and your local school district laws and regulations. Retrieve emergency equipment. Flashing Red A flashing red traffic signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. See Figure 10.7. Have the students exit in orderly fashion. This would involve the proper use of mirrors, alternating flashing lights, and, when equipped, the moveable stop signal arm, and crossing control arm. According to the Ontario government, drivers who ignore the red flashing lights or the school bus's stop arm, can face a hefty fine from $400 to $2,000 if it's their first offence. As a general rule, add 15 feet to the length of the school bus to determine an acceptable amount of containment or storage area. According to California law, drivers must stop when a school bus stops in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing lights. State and local laws and regulations regarding unloading students at schools, particularly in situations where activities take place in the school parking lot or other location off the traveled roadway, are often different than unloading along the school bus route. When your other wheels lock up, you may skid or even spin the vehicle. Lead students upwind (into the wind) of the bus if fire is present. These mirrors are mounted on both the left and right front corners of the bus. In other words: Without ABS, you still have normal brake functions. Hi! The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or their own bus. What Is The Law When School Bus Lights Are Flashing? Passive crossings require you to recognize the crossing, search for any train(s) using the tracks, and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely. Passive crossings are those that do not have any type of traffic control device. This typically happens when the school bus is dropping off or picking up students. comments on Quick Answer: What Do Flashing Red Lights On A School Bus Indicate? Wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. When a school bus has the stop sign out and the red lights flashing, drivers are required to stop: on two lane, undivided roads, in both directions. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. . The right and left front tires touching the ground. For more information, please visit the Operation Lifesaver website. The first and most important consideration is for you to recognize the hazard. There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. Check out this graphic that helps illustrate Pennsylvania's school bus stopping law. The following procedures are meant to be general guidelines. The driver of a vehicle on meeting, from either direction, any school bus flashing red lights must stop the vehicle at no closer than 15 feet before reaching the school bus. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. On a two lane road or if you're on a one lane road passing them going the same way, it . hool bus if it has already left the bus stop. The bus driver will flash lights on the front and rear of the bus. Never play with the emergency exits. What happens if you pass a school bus with flashing lights? Observe the students as they step from the bus to see that they all move promptly away from the unloading area. ABS should prevent brake-induced skids but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too fast in a turn. If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. You should position these mirrors to see: Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right side convex mirrors should be adjusted. When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus: Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Copyright 2020 Murphy & Prachthauser, SC - All Rights Reserved - Milwaukee Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers |, Defective and Dangerous Product Attorneys. Require all students who cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped to walk in front of the bus as they cross. michigan school bus rules Verified 2 days ago There is a blind spot area directly behind the drivers seat, as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250 - $400 and/or possibly 30 days in jail. What do flashing lights on bus mean? When you come to a four way stop who has the right away? It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when yellow lights are flashing. Watching for these yellow lights is especially helpful in areas with higher speed limits because it allows drivers to slow their speeds in time to stop for the bus when the lights turn red. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version. Avoid areas that are subject to flash floods. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions. That said, even with the five feet unpaved medians, cars moving in the opposite direction should exercise caution. Set out emergency warning devices as necessary and appropriate. When a school bus has the stop sign out and the red lights flashing, drivers are required to stop: on two-lane, undivided roads, in both directions. The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Continuously check mirrors to monitor the danger zones for students, traffic, and other objects. This forces the students to walk to the bus so you have a better view of their movements. The lookout should not give directions on how to back the bus. The driver must ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted. At the School Transportation Safety Committee meeting in Pinellas County in October, the county's transportation director said they were working with the school board and the transportation staff to evaluate options for crossing locations along Belleair Road. Be sure to provide adequate instruction so that every student is familiar with school bus emergency procedures and equipment use, as well as the safe loading and unloading procedures. If it will not fit, do not commit! Backing is dangerous and increases your risk of an accident. on roads that are divided to separate the directions of travel, in the direction that the bus is traveling. When you see these lights flashing on the back of a bus? According to California law, drivers must stop when a school bus stops in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing lights. That said, school buses have the right of way over other motorists. I'm the NYS DMV Virtual Agent, Click me for assistance. Make certain no one is running to catch the bus. Therefore, emergency evacuation procedures must be explained to all students. Drivers who illegally pass a bus face up to a $1,000 fine and could have their license suspended for one year. If you drive past a stopped school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated, you can face: First offence fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 6 demerit points Each following offence fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 6 demerit points possible jail time of up to 6 months Stop arm cameras on school buses The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror. Observe the right-of-way rules. (See Figure B) You must remain stopped until the school bus. Use caution when using a public computer or device. For instance, if youre driving on a highway with a significant barrier in the middle, only the vehicles following the bus should stop. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If a school bus is still moving but coming to a stop, and its lights are flashing - yellow or red - it is illegal to pass. When your route or school activity trip is finished, you should conduct a post-trip inspection of the bus. on a highway or trafficway shall stop at least ten feet before reaching the school bus when the red signal lights on the school bus are flashing and the side stop signal arms are activated under section 4552(b.1) (relating to general requirements for school . If you that the offense is serious enough that you cannot safely drive the bus, call a school administrator or the police to come and remove the student. While the red lights are flashing, drivers need to bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind the school bus. If a change of seating is needed, request that the student move to a seat near you. In California, the fine for passing a school bus can be up to $600, according to the California Highway Patrol. Students should board the bus only when signaled by the driver. What is a passive railroad-highway crossing? The penalty for passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal goes from a minimum of $200 to $400 . Walk through the bus to check for hiding/sleeping students and items left by students. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and cannot resume driving until the bus lights are turned off or the bus begins moving. Each state has laws and regulations governing how school buses must operate at railroad-highway crossings. des moines, ia, u.s. - traffic crash involving school bus and . You must use extreme caution when approaching a school bus stop. Passive Crossings. Students should wait in a designated location for the school bus, facing the bus as it approaches. The violation is considered reckless driving and could be subject to a $2,500 fine. For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet. If you must back up at a student drop off point, be sure to unload students after backing. The advance warning sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. These questions may be on your test. If you're going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars. Pavement Markings. Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. When you're traveling behind a school bus that begins flashing their lights the answer is very clear; you need to stop. Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged. Constantly check all mirrors and rear windows. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side crossview mirrors should be adjusted. Dangle the radio microphone or telephone out of the drivers window and take your cell phone for later use, if operable. The blind spot behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet depending on the length and width of the bus. Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train. This law is in place whether you are following the bus or approaching from the opposite direction and allows students to leave the bus safely. If you cannot account for a student, secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road. The specific procedures required in each state vary. Turn on the right turn signal indicator about 100-300 feet or approximately 3-5 seconds before pulling over. If you have no choice and you must back your bus, follow these procedures: A school bus can have up to a 3-foot tail swing. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. Approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed. In general, school buses must stop at all crossings, and drivers must ensure it is safe before proceeding across the tracks. The red lights should be a sign that children are in the area and vehicles should be stopped. Diagram 5-4 Try to anticipate gusts. Yes, you have to stop for a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing whenever you come upon it from behind. The Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. Use strobe lights only when visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less due to atmospheric conditions including, but not limited to, fog, rain, snow, smoke, or dust (CVC 25257.7). Yellow or amber lights before the bus stops, and red lights go on when it has stopped. For more information about Love the Bus, visit Love the Bus. You must stop at these crossings and follow proper procedures. As a result, knowing what to do before, during, and after loading or unloading students is critical. This also applies to highways where vehicles are traveling in both directions.