Students will be returning to class later this week and law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists of school bus safety laws.
Virginia State Police remind drivers that they are required to follow certain laws when encountering a school bus. Virginia motorists must:
• stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when approaching from any direction
• remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus moves again
• stop whenever the bus is loading or unloading passengers, even if the lights and stop sign are not activated
If a school bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier, motorists aren’t required to stop; however, drivers should be prepared for students exiting the school bus and crossing into their lanes.
Motorists should watch for children gathering near bus stops, and walking in groups to and from the bus stop. Drivers should be extra alert for children walking or bicycling to school when:
• backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage
• driving in neighborhoods with school zones
• there are no sidewalks in a neighborhood
Most school bus incidents happen when students are traveling to the bus stop, or getting on and off the bus. If students have to cross the street in front of the bus, they should walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before crossing.
Students need to make sure they can see the bus driver, and that the driver sees them. When the bus approaches, students should line up at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb and the street. When the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens, students should check for traffic once more before boarding.
