The Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. 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. Remember, in addition to picking up and dropping off students, school buses are required by law to stop at railroad crossings. See Figure 10.6. When possible, assign 2 older, responsible student assistants to each emergency exit. Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road. The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus. When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. If the school bus is so equipped, activate alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet or approximately 5-10 seconds before the school bus stop or in accordance with state law. If there is no radio or cell phone or they are inoperable, dispatch a passing motorist or area resident to call for help. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. It is imperative that you learn and obey Californias laws and regulations governing loading/unloading operations. The rules are pretty simple if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights. Your visibility could be only slightly limited or be so bad that you can see nothing at all. Stop the bus. Allow you to drive faster, follow more closely, or drive less carefully. You should never change the location of a bus stop without written approval from the appropriate school district official. As of July 1, 2018, it is required that a passenger in a bus equipped with seat belts to be properly restrained by a safety belt. And every time someone doesn't stop for the bus, a child's life is at risk. Painted lines and pavement markings do not count. ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but not always shorten stopping distance. Obstructed View of Tracks. 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. See our Cancellations, Closings and Delays page for more information. That said, school buses have the right of way over other motorists. "Getting the crosswalk was the first step in that process and our goal since the accident is that this doesn't happen to someone . Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus. The mirror presents a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights whether or not you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. This requirement applies to all vehicles moving in either direction. What do flashing lights on bus mean? If you re behind it, its illegal to pass on the right side. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Necessarily shorten stopping distance. Preparing for a standard, commercial, or motorcycle knowledge test? The statute requires: Following these two rules will allow for safer drivers, safer children and safer neighborhoods. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see: Figure 10.2 shows how both the outside left and right side flat mirrors should be adjusted. Slow down and be prepared to stop if you see a school bus displaying this signal. In other words: Without ABS, you still have normal brake functions. The crossview mirrors? The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire. The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. 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. Tell students to exit the bus and walk at least 10 feet away from the side of the bus to a position where the driver can plainly see all students. Details: WebThe Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. The lookout should not give directions on how to back the bus. You should never back a school bus when students are outside of the bus. These mirrors are mounted on both the left and right front corners of the bus. Count the number of students at the bus stop and be sure all board the bus. A school bus driver activates these lights AT LEAST 100 feet before stopping. That said, even with the five feet unpaved medians, cars moving in the opposite direction should exercise caution. The violation is considered reckless driving and could be subject to a $2,500 fine. Fatal crashes involving students who were struck by passing motorists typically involved one or more of the following factors: Vehicle Operators - There are legal and financial consequences for vehicle operators who 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. Approaching the bus from the rear: When approaching from the rear, the rules are the same as for a two- or three- lane road. If there is more than 1 track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. 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. Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects before, during, and after coming to a stop. Be sure to follow local procedures. When getting off of the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so that they don't get caught on the handrail or the door. Drivers break the law if they do not stop immediately. Never push when getting on or off of the school bus. Children ages 4 to 8 (grades K-3) are most susceptible to a school bus fatality. Slow down. Each state has laws and regulations governing how school buses must operate at railroad-highway crossings. The adoption of this system will improve student transportation and road safety and align Ontario with measures taken in all . Get to the school bus stop five minutes early so you won't have to run across the road to catch the bus. They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances, and check for students on the sides and to the rear of the bus. 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. In California, the law states that: Drivers behind school buses must stop when school buses stop and display their flashing red lights (and extend their stop signs, if equipped). When unloading at the school, you should follow these procedures: Dropped or Forgotten Objects. When these amber lights flash you should immediately be prepared to stop. If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on once you are under way, you may have lost ABS control at 1 or more wheels. ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control. The red lights should be a sign that children are in the area and vehicles should be stopped. michigan school bus rules Verified 2 days ago How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. 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 . The front of the school bus must remain behind this line while stopped at the crossing. Under S. 175 (11,12) of the Highway Traffic Act, if the school bus is stopped and has its overhead red lights flashing, drivers who are "meeting" the bus must stop before reaching it and must not . What documents do you need to get an AB 60 license? What is a passive railroad-highway crossing? When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information. The Stop-Arm Police actively seek out stop-arm violators. This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. Direct and mirror view vision should overlap. Flashing lights and speed limit signs are self-explanatory. Bus Stalls or Is Trapped on the Tracks. I'm the NYS DMV Virtual Agent, Click me for assistance. Be especially careful at passive crossings. Determine the Need to Evacuate the Bus. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. "When the school bus gets ready to stop, the lights come on and they're yellow. The area from the front of the bus to the service door. Check all mirrors again. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. 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. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Perform a safe stop as described in Section 10. 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 also an opportunity to honor the many school bus drivers that safely transport students to and from school every day. You are the first authority figure they encounter, and you set the tone for the day. Multi-Lane Roadways with NO Barrier between Lanes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version. Children can get so excited at seeing you after school they might forget safety rules and dash across the street. Buses should be treated differently than you would treat an average-sized vehicle. 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. A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. The theme for this year is "1 Bus + 1 Driver = a BIG Impact on Education." Have the students board the school bus slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. Would removing students expose them to speeding traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous environment such as downed power lines? It does not matter how many lanes the road has. On a two lane road or if you're on a one lane road passing them going the same way, it . Other states with similar rules include West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi. A warning will be given by the school bus at least 100 feet (200 feet in rural areas) in advance of a stop. How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a railroad-highway crossing? Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus? Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train. Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side crossview mirrors should be adjusted. You are loading students along the route. Slow down in or near school and residential areas. 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. These rules help you play your part in keeping the children safe and may vary from state to state, although there are some commonalities among them. When approaching a school bus traveling in the opposite direction, a driver must slow the vehicle to 20 miles per hour or less when yellow lights are seen, and be prepared to stop when the stop arm is extended and red lights flash. For instance, you might be required to stop your vehicle if a school bus is stopped on the side of the road. However, this depends on the situation, which is why you need to familiarize yourself with the school bus laws in your state. Mechanical/operational problems with the bus, with special attention to items that are unique to school busesmirror systems, flashing warning lamps, and stop signal arms. Instead, they flash warning lights near the buss roof to prompt you to reduce your speed and prepare to stop. If you cannot answer them all, reread Section 10. Make certain no one is running to catch the bus. 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. 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. These younger students are unable to see over or around objects such as parked cars or bushes. If you need it, ABS could help prevent a serious accident. Activate the alternating red lights when traffic is a safe distance from the school bus and ensure the stop arm is extended. What must a driver do at a flashing yellow light? Required fields are marked *. California Vehicle Code 22454 (a) prohibits a driver from passing a school bus when: The bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any school children; and, The bus displays flashing red lights and/or a stop signal . If you see or hear an emergency vehicle, you should be aware that although the emergency vehicle is required to come to a complete stop when it encounters a school bus loading or unloading students, it is legal for it to proceed with caution even if the bus's eight-way light system is still activated, as long as it doesn't risk the safety of the students. 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. Stop at least 20 feet away from buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway. 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. 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. According to the California law (CVC 22454), motorists must remain stopped as long as the red lights on the school bus are flashing. Make certain no students are returning to the bus. These limits are in effect on school days from 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. The purpose of the lookout is to warn you about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. You must use extreme caution when approaching a school bus stop. When engaged, these light will flash simultaneously. Yellow flashing lights on the front and back indicate a bus is about to stop to load or unload students, so motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. To warn other motorists or pedestrians on a roadway during a backing maneuver, the operator of a school bus may flash hazard lights (CVC 25257.5). Always be aware of children and parents that may be waiting at a school bus stop or perhaps running to catch the bus before it departs. Tips for Children: School is back in session. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. Always obey your school bus driver's instructions, so that he or she can make safe decisions. However, in emergency braking, do not pump the brakes on a bus with ABS. When a moving school bus displays flashing yellow lights, this usually means they are preparing to stop to load or unload children. You can proceed if the bus driver or a traffic officer gives you the OK or when the red lights stop flashing. Check all mirrors. If there is a behavior problem on the bus, wait until the students unloading are safely off the bus and have moved away. When approaching from the opposite . Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver. 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. Motorists claimed they couldnt see the flashing lights because the lights were dirty or because sun, rain, snow, or fog blinded them. Always focus on students as they approach the bus and watch for any who disappear from sight. Diagram 5-4 Secure the bus. If there is no white line painted on the pavement, you must stop the bus before the crossbuck sign.