Back-to-school season means millions of students are once again relying on school buses to get them safely to and from school. It also brings an important reminder for drivers: nearly 40 million illegal school bus passings are estimated to occur nationwide each year, putting students at risk when they are boarding or exiting the bus.
For drivers in Red Clay, keeping students safe starts with knowing when to stop. When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the stop-arm retracts, the red lights turn off, and the bus begins moving. Those few extra seconds give students the time and space they need to safely board, exit, and cross the road.
Stopping for a school bus is the law and an important part of protecting Red Clay students. School buses are equipped with safety camera technology to help identify vehicles that illegally pass while the stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
If a violation occurs, the registered vehicle owner may receive a notice by mail. Each notice includes information about the violation, along with instructions for responding or requesting a hearing.
Make School Bus Safety Part of Your Routine
Every driver has a role to play in helping students get to and from school safely. Stay alert around school buses, give them plenty of space, and be prepared to stop when you see flashing red lights.
Getting somewhere a few seconds faster is never worth putting a child at risk. This school year, remember one simple rule: when the school bus stops, you stop.
BusPatrol is proud to work with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety in their work to make the roadways safe for all roadway users. To get involved, visit https://ohs.delaware.gov/