Since kids will soon be heading back to school, it is important for drivers to be responsible in sharing the road with school buses, said state Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
When meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and a “stop” arm extended, a driver MUST STOP. When approaching an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights and stop arm extended, a driver again MUST STOP. Drivers must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before proceeding.
Be sure to stop at least 10 feet from the school bus, and watch the children exiting the bus. A driver should not proceed until all children have reached a place of safety. Drivers do not have to stop on a highway with clearly defined dividing sections or physical barriers providing separate roadways when the school bus is on the opposite side of the road.
If a driver violates the law, he or she will receive all of the following penalties: a 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on a driving record and a $250 fine.