What To Know About Passing A Stopped School Bus In Connecticut

Students have already began to return to school in Connecticut, and those who have not will return after the Labor Day holiday weekend. That means drivers need to remember to follow a few rules of the road that have had the summer off along with students in the state. And forgetting those rules — and being caught doing so — could carry stiff penalties for motorists or, even worse, cause a serious accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the greatest risk to children is approaching and leaving a school bus. Here's what you need to know — and what you should do — when you see a bus stopped with its flashing lights and extended stop-sign arm, or you are driving by a school.

Passing a Stopped School Bus

State police said on Facebook it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following a school bus.

Yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers the bus will be stopping to pick up or drop-off students, and drivers should anticipate red flashing lights will come on shortly after, state police said. Red flashing lights on a school bus indicate the vehicle is stopped and students are either getting on or off the bus.

According to state police, failure to obey this law not only puts children at great risk but also carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $465 for a first offense.

Resident State Troopers and patrol troopers will also periodically monitor school bus stops to help ensure the safety of all students as they travel back to school to begin the 2018-2019 school year.

Speeding in a School Zone

School speed limits in school zones can be established on state roads during school hours when lights to a speed limit sign are flashing. In Connecticut, fines are doubled if you speed in a school zone during hours when the lights are flashing.

Safety Tips

The Connecticut Department of Transportation offers tips for motorists when driving near school buses.

• Slow down.
• Be especially careful when driving on neighborhood streets and around school zones, always expect the unexpected.
• Be alert for youngsters walking to and from school as you back out of your driveway or leave your parking garage.
• We want school children to be safe. Watch for them on bicycles, especially at intersections and driveways. Young bicyclists have a tendency to dart out of driveways without looking for traffic.
• Stop your car when you see lights flashing on a school bus. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Don't start driving until the red lights stop flashing. Be aware that a child may dash across the street.

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Photo credit: Chris Dehnel