Talking Traffic Safety: When To Stop For A School Bus

From City of Colorado Springs:

Tue, 07/23/2019 - 9:00am

With districts all over Colorado Springs gearing up for the new school year, you can expect to see those yellow buses driving around every morning and afternoon. One of the biggest questions drivers face when the encounter a school bus is: Do I have to stop?

According to Colorado law:

• You must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching.
• You must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the school bus and children crossing the roadway before proceeding.
• You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or other physical barrier.

Violating school bus traffic laws is considered a class-one or class-two misdemeanor offense. Drivers can be fined up to $300, with a mandatory court appearance and six points on a driver’s license. A second offense within a five-year period has a fine up to $1,000.

“People need to pay attention when they get behind a wheel, especially when more children are present. One life lost on our roads, is one too many. By driving with caution, paying attention, and properly stopping for school buses, we can better protect our community and our children,” Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said.

Drivers also need to be on the lookout for more than just the bus red stop paddle. When schools are back in session, it’s common to see children gathered together on the side of rural highways or suburban streets waiting for their bus to arrive. It’s also common to see children not paying attention, whether they are distracted by phones, playing games, or even running out in front of traffic to chase the bus they just missed. It’s important the drivers stay vigilant at all times on our roads and slow down especially when there are a higher number of children outside.

• As you prepare for the new school year, here are some helpful tips for students as well as parents and guardians:
• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the edge of the road and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay to enter before stepping on the bus.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, be sure to alert the bus driver. Never try to pick it up!
• Never accept rides from strangers!!!

This press release was produced by City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.