Activate the alternating red lights when traffic is a safe distance from the school bus and ensure the stop arm is extended. When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. 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. This mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. 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. Containment or Storage Areas. So attempting to speed up and pass the bus is an absolute violation of the law. Continuously check mirrors to monitor the danger zones for students, traffic, and other objects. Passive crossings are those that do not have any type of traffic control device. Bus drivers are required to turn on the flashing red lights at any time the students are getting onto or off of the bus. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. When it is safe to do so, pull away from the unloading area. . 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. hool bus if it has already left the bus stop. Place the transmission in Park or, if there is no Park shift point, in Neutral, and set the parking brake at each stop. Never play with the emergency exits. For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet. When a school bus has its red flashing lights on and its stop arms extended, students are either getting off . However, sometimes drivers don't always recognize the law in a school zone. 257.682 Stopping for school bus displaying flashing red lights; violation as civil infraction; meeting stopped school bus on divided highway; proof; rebuttable presumption; use of stop-arm camera system; definitions. See Figure 10.6. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. When your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering control. The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper (with the first 12 feet being the most dangerous), 12 feet from the left and right sides, and 12 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus. Plan your route so it provides maximum sight distance at railroad-highway crossings. Drive and brake as you always have. Stop-arm cameras record drivers who unlawfully pass. It is also an opportunity to honor the many school bus drivers that safely transport students to and from school every day. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. If there is more than 1 track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. If you're approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights, it is unlawful to pass it, even if the bus driver hasn't . Is there a hazardous spill involved? Knowing what to do in an emergencybefore, during, and after an evacuationcan mean the difference between life and death. If the gate stays down after the train passes, do not drive around the gate. When a school bus is flashing its red overhead lights? If so for fog rain and snow, as well as to let children and parents know its a school bus. 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. Stop behind the school bus when the school bus stops and its stop arm is extended. Kids are back in school, school zone lights are flashing, and the police are out in force enforcing the law in school zones. . Multi-Lane Roadways with NO Barrier between Lanes. Other states with similar rules include West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Here's a list of the latest school bus laws in Ohio: The driver of any vehicle approaching a school bus in any direction must stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus. 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 your school bus crosses railroad tracks, be calm and quiet so that your driver can listen for a train. 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus. In many areas of the country, Love the Bus events are held on or around Valentine's Day. Would moving students complicate injuries such as neck and back injuries and fractures? For more information, please call 1-800-CAR-BELT. Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you're headed. The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat. If you would like more information on school bus safety and awareness, you can refer to the following: Enroll in the Donate Life Registry to become an organ donor. The hazard lights are amber in colour and are located at the bottom of the bus. When the bus stops, red lights on the top of the bus will begin flashing, signaling drivers that children are entering or exiting the bus and may be crossing the street. This sign marks the crossing. Stand up and speak respectfully to the offender or offenders. "It's a. The driver must evacuate the bus when: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version. According to The Bellingham Herald, the general rule is that drivers overtaking or meeting a school bus that's stopped on the side of the road and has activated a visual signal shall stop before reaching it. The . 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. The purpose of the lookout is to warn you about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. Prepare information for emergency responders. Our online ordering system makes it easy. If your child rides the school bus . This is becoming a concern in School District No. Remove the key if leaving the drivers compartment. However, the decision to proceed rests entirely in your hands. Watch for children crossing the road in front of, or behind the school bus. We take pride in being good lawyers who help people. 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. These younger students are unable to see over or around objects such as parked cars or bushes. Tips for Children: School is back in session. When students are loading at the school campus, you should: Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas as described in Section 10. Wisconsin Statute section 346.48 tells operators of vehicles what to do when approaching a school bus when the bus is displaying flashing red lights. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. After that, you only start moving when the bus has removed the visual signal by retracting the stop sign or stopping the flashing red lights. The adoption of this system will improve student transportation and road safety and align Ontario with measures taken in all . State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2007, the American School Bus Council organized the Love the Bus campaign/program to raise awareness regarding school transportation and safety nationwide. Lastly, New York is one of the few states where you must stop, even on the opposite side of a divided highway. Details: WebThe Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. After that, you only proceed if the lights stop flashing, the bus resumes motion, or the driver signals you onward. If there is no radio or cell phone or they are inoperable, dispatch a passing motorist or area resident to call for help. Make sure no students are around or returning to the bus. If the bus is in the direct path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, escort students to a nearby ditch or culvert if shelter in a building is not readily available, and direct them to lie face down, hands covering their head. Preparing for a standard, commercial, or motorcycle knowledge test? The yellow ABS malfunction lamp is on the bus instrument panel. For instance, you might be required to stop your vehicle if a school bus is stopped on the side of the road. The Pupil Transportation Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association hold a Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Safe Driving Competition every June to test school bus drivers' knowledge of safety rules and safe operation of their buses in two types of bus categories: conventional and transit. All stops should be approved by the school district prior to making the stop. On this day, we hope all school districts will participate by having their drivers document any illegal passes occurring on their routes during the day. According to California Vehicle Code 22454, all vehicles traveling in either direction must stop when a school bus is flashing its red lights and remain stopped as long as the red lights remain lit and/or flashing . Pennsylvania law prohibits children from standing on the bus while the bus is in motion. Drive so you never need to use your ABS. What happens if you pass a school bus with flashing lights? If necessary, have the mirrors adjusted. When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. In addition, the area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous because of passing cars. Don't start driving until the red lights stop flashing. A school bus driver activates these lights AT LEAST 100 feet before stopping. This section will give you specific procedures to help you avoid unsafe conditions that could result in injuries and fatalities during and after loading and unloading students. Solid YellowA yellow traffic signal light means CAUTION. The red traffic signal light is about to appear. 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. If you miss a students unloading stop, do not back up. Your email address will not be published. If possible, the drivers should get identifying information regarding the vehicle and file the information with local authorities. Wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. Set out emergency warning devices as necessary and appropriate. 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. School buses have bigger blind spots, take longer to stop, and need more room to maneuver than a standard vehicle. Graphic shows drivers the rules. According to The Bellingham Herald, the general rule is that drivers overtaking or meeting a school bus thats stopped on the side of the road and has activated a visual signal shall stop before reaching it. ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control. If the school bus is so equipped, activate alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet or approximately 510 seconds before the school bus stop or in accordance with state law. Have the students board the school bus slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. You should closely observe all students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a safe location prior to moving the bus. This will keep the students from being hit by debris if another vehicle collides with the bus. As a general rule, student safety and control is best maintained by keeping students on the bus during an emergency and/or impending crisis situation, if it does not expose them to unnecessary risk or injury. Teach them how to assist the other students off the bus. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Prevent power or turning skids. When possible, assign 2 older, responsible student assistants to each emergency exit. Watch. They provide a view of traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the bus. Buses should be treated differently than you would treat an average-sized vehicle. That said, school buses have the right of way over other motorists. What does it mean when a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing quizlet? Stopping closer than 20ft away from a school bus constitutes a violation of Wisconsin law and could result in a citation or worse, if someone gets hurt. Escort all students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any grades 1 through 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped. It is important for you to understand and obey these state laws and regulations. Factors that likely contribute to these statistics: The smaller stature of younger children makes them more difficult for bus drivers and motorists to see. If you need it, ABS could help prevent a serious accident. When approaching a crossing with a signal or stop sign on the opposite side, pay attention to the amount of room there. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars. The minimum fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $250. Join waiting students. If you have a case you would like to speak to a lawyer about, please contact us to schedule a free consultation and get an experienced team of lawyers working on your behalf. Students may drop an object near the bus during loading and unloading. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-highway crossing. When the lights begin to flash, you must stop! 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. Crossbuck Signs. When that happens, drivers in both directions must come to. As a general rule, add 15 feet to the length of the school bus to determine an acceptable amount of containment or storage area. Each state has laws and regulations governing how school buses must operate at railroad-highway crossings. As a general rule, a driver should not get any closer than 20 feet to a school bus that has stopped with red lights flashing. Remember, the decision to evacuate the bus must be a timely one. Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects before, during, and after coming to a stop. Find professional School Bus Flashing Lights videos and stock footage available for license in film, television, advertising and corporate uses. The area from the front of the bus to the service door. Obstructed View of Tracks. 60 (Peace River North) near Fort St. John. It could be an accident, a stalled school bus on a railroad-highway crossing or in a high-speed intersection, an electrical fire in the engine compartment, or medical emergency to a student on the school bus, etc. In New York, you stop whenever a school bus is flashing red lights. They could run into the road at any time. If possible, know the names of students at each stop. They can even move the school bus off the road or, in extreme conditions, tip it over.