Define the danger zone. If you cannot account for a student, secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus. Count the number of students at the bus stop and be sure all board the bus. As the yellow lights come on the speed limit is reduced to 20mph, regardless of what the street signs say. As the weather gets warmer and the school year winds down, children are even more excited to get home from school and play outside with their friends. When you approach a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction What should you do? Approaching the bus from the rear: When approaching from the rear, the rules are the same as for a two- or three- lane road. Drivers must stop if the bus has its red light flashing as it picks up or drops off children, depending on the driver's direction of travel and the type of road . You should never back a school bus when students are outside of the bus. It is safe to proceed once the lights stop flashing. Wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. The Traffic Injury Prevention Project sponsored by PennDOT provides school districts, school bus contractors, hospitals, pediatricians, parents and other health care providers with the most current information about the atypical transportation needs of children with special health care needs, teen parents, special education students and the preschool population. Park in a safe location off the road, perhaps a parking lot or driveway. Determine if evacuation is in the best interest of safety. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. When possible, assign 2 older, responsible student assistants to each emergency exit. What do flashing lights on bus mean? That said, school buses have the right of way over other motorists. Follow your schools procedures for discipline or refusal of rights to ride the bus. The purpose of the lookout is to warn you about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. Walk through the bus to check for hiding/sleeping students and items left by students. When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. What does it mean when a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing quizlet? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. At the School Transportation Safety Committee meeting in Pinellas County in October, the county's transportation director said they were working with the school board and the transportation staff to evaluate options for crossing locations along Belleair Road. 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. This type of crossing has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic at the crossing. Constantly check all mirrors and rear windows. On a two lane road or if you're on a one lane road passing them going the same way, it . Whenever drivers are in the presence of school buses, they should be where they can stop at any time. Walk through the bus to ensure no students remain on the bus. Do not show anger, but do show that you mean business. On older systems, the lamp could stay on until you are driving over 5 mph. As a general rule, student safety and control is best maintained by keeping students on the bus during an emergency and/or impending crisis situation, if it does not expose them to unnecessary risk or injury. michigan school bus rules Verified 2 days ago See our Cancellations, Closings and Delays page for more information. When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. If possible, the drivers should get identifying information regarding the vehicle and file the information with local authorities. What does it mean if a school bus has flashing amber lights flashing? Those in opposing traffic lanes on the other side of the barrier dont have to stop, with a few exceptions. The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. 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. Assign another student assistant to lead the students to a safe place after evacuation. 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. If the bus is also equipped with amber or yellow lights, these lights are used to signal that the bus will be slowing down. After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus? Repeat offenders can face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions. Diagram 5-4 School buses not only alert drivers to the presence of children, but the rules of the road require drivers to act in a certain way around buses to enhance the safety of the children getting off the bus. How many feet around a school bus is considered the danger zone? Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. Slow down in or near school and residential areas. Stop at least 20 feet away from buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway. The Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) reports that in New York State, 2.3 million children are transported by more than 50,000 school buses annually. The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible. Students should wait in a designated location for the school bus, facing the bus as it approaches. Your email address will not be published. Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. If you drive past a stopped school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated, you can face: First offence fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 6 demerit points Each following offence fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 6 demerit points possible jail time of up to 6 months Stop arm cameras on school buses If a change of seating is needed, request that the student move to a seat near you. How do you promote a culture of safety in your home or place of work? August 31, 2022 by Steven M. Gursten. What must a driver do at a flashing yellow light? If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. That said, even with the five feet unpaved medians, cars moving in the opposite direction should exercise caution. Painted lines and pavement markings do not count. Students have been injured or killed when clothing, accessories, or even parts of their body are caught in the handrail or door as they exited the bus. Account for all students and check for their safety. OWNER LIABILITY FOR FAILURE OF OPERATOR TO STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS DISPLAYING A RED VISUAL SIGNAL AND STOP-ARM (VTL 1174-A), Website accessibility practices and procedures. Here are the rules: If you're on a two-lane road, both directions need to stop. Don't start driving until the red lights stop flashing. Many buses built before these dates have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. When your route or school activity trip is finished, you should conduct a post-trip inspection of the bus. As a general rule, add 15 feet to the length of the school bus to determine an acceptable amount of containment or storage area. Drivers who do not stop for the red, flashing lights may face fines up to $1,000; they could also have their licenses suspended for up to a year. When your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering control. Obstructed View of Tracks. When these amber lights flash you should immediately be prepared to stop. Effective August 19, 2019, the new school bus camera law authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses to hold vehicle owners . The Pupil Transportation Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association hold a Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Safe Driving Competition every June to test school bus drivers' knowledge of safety rules and safe operation of their buses in two types of bus categories: conventional and transit. However, if it has stopped and its red lights are flashing, then you must stop and wait until it resumes motion and turns off its lights. When it is safe to do so, pull away from the unloading area. ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control. There is a blind spot area directly behind the drivers seat, as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. Each state has different laws concerning when it is legal/illegal to pass a stopped school bus. It does not matter how many lanes the road has. Always focus on students as they approach the bus and watch for any who disappear from sight. School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Approved Systems (PDF), School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement System Approval Requirements (PDF), Operation Safe Stop - Public Participation Information (PDF), Operation Safe Stop - Law Enforcement Participation Information (PDF), PennDOT School Bus Safety Poster Contest Guidelines (PDF), National Association for Pupil Transportation. For more information about Love the Bus, visit Love the Bus. Kids are back in school, school zone lights are flashing, and the police are out in force enforcing the law in school zones. A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. If your bus is so equipped, the overhead strobe light should be used when you have limited visibility. Michigan School Bus Laws - Look at the Lights. In New York, you stop whenever a school bus is flashing red lights. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Teach them how to assist the other students off the bus. Remember, children are often unpredictable and may not see you coming. Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window. Slow down. Turn on the right turn signal indicator about 100300 feet or approximately 35 seconds before pulling over. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger zones. The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper (with the first 12 feet being the most dangerous), 12 feet from the left and right sides, and 12 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus. However, drivers must yield the right-of-way if other traffic is approaching from the opposite direction. You should always check each mirror before operating the school bus to obtain maximum viewing area. Multi-Lane Roadways with NO Barrier between Lanes. If a school bus is still moving but coming to a stop, and its lights are flashing - yellow or red - it is illegal to pass. How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. If it will not fit, do not commit! Be certain the bus has enough containment or storage area to completely clear the railroad tracks on the other side if there is a need to stop. Your actions could mean the difference between life and death. If you re going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from the rear with its overhead red signals lights flashing, shall stop at least 20 metres before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves, or the overhead lights have stopped flashing and its stop arm is no longer activated. Flashing Red Light Signals. 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. Be reliable and dependable your students count on you every day! ABS only comes into play when a wheel would normally have locked up because of over braking. It means that drivers have to be even more careful to look out for children crossing the street and for school buses. If time permits, school bus drivers should contact their dispatcher to explain the situation before making a decision to evacuate the school bus. . Active Crossings. 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. Sometimes, it may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in contact with the material. You are in a very demanding situation when entering these areas. Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median. 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. Have the students remain seated until told to exit. General Procedures. You are the first authority figure they encounter, and you set the tone for the day. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. The speed for both urban and rural schools zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted. See Figure 10.6. Generally, you can pass a school bus in Michigan if it is in motion or its red lights are not flashing. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road. Below are examples of school bus laws according to Drive-Safety in different heavily populated states where some minor differences might crop up. When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should brake as you always have. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. The Danger Zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver (ten feet in front of the bus where the driver may be too high to see a child, ten feet on either side of the bus where a child may be in the drivers blind spot, and the area behind the school. If your child rides the school bus . A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. Knowing what to do in an emergencybefore, during, and after an evacuationcan mean the difference between life and death. Continuously check mirrors to monitor the danger zones for students, traffic, and other objects. For more information, please call 1-800-CAR-BELT. The advance warning sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. Keep these rules on school buses in mind as the school year comes to an end and look out for the safety of the children in your neighborhood. The bus driver waved the car through the red flashing lights, unaware a child was crossing the road at that time. This typically happens when the school bus is dropping off or picking up students. You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic that approaches and enters this area. We take pride in being good lawyers who help people. Check out this graphic that helps illustrate Pennsylvania's school bus stopping law. Drivers may turn left on a green light. When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction. Be aware cross with care! This round, black-on-yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public railroad-highway crossing. 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. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Additionally, you must wait until the children are clear of the road and the sign is withdrawn for you to proceed. You should slow down to lessen the effect of the wind, or pull off the roadway and wait. Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus? For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet. When that happens, drivers in both directions must come to. Is there a hazardous spill involved? (1) The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately . Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals it's okay to pass. These mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. You should position these mirrors to see: Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right side convex mirrors should be adjusted. First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail, Second conviction within 3 years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail, Vehicle Owners - A law was passed in 2019, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) website, Automated Records Access for Businesses and Government, DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application. For instance, if youre driving on a highway with a significant barrier in the middle, only the vehicles following the bus should stop. I'm the NYS DMV Virtual Agent, Click me for assistance. Observe the students as they step from the bus to see that they all move promptly away from the unloading area. However, sometimes drivers don't always recognize the law in a school zone. Check all mirrors. When engaged, these light will flash simultaneously. The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat. If you see flashing yellow lights, that means the school bus is about to stop. Passive Crossings. 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). According to Florida Statute 316.172, you must stop when approaching any school bus that displays the stop signal and has its red lights flashing. Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising waters? The driver must ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted. Unlawfully driving around one will result in fines, court costs and possibly even jail. They could run into the road at any time. There is also a no passing zone sign on 2-lane roads. These questions may be on your test. Watch for children - they can come from all directions, especially if they're running late. What Are the Rules for Stopping for a School Bus in Florida? Where should students walk to after exiting the bus? The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire. Do not pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing? Stop-arm cameras record drivers who unlawfully pass. You should closely observe all students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a safe location prior to moving the bus. Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. 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. Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, Special Interest and Personalized License Plates Orders, New Trailer and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Report of Sale, Vehicle & Occupational Licensing Industry News Memos, Vehicle Industry Services Resources & Links, Industry Business Center Case Status Request, Occupational Licensing Status Information System, Section 4: Transporting Passengers Safely, The History of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Motor Vehicles Strategic Plan: 2021-2026, Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program, Department of Motor Vehicles Field Office Wait Times Reports, Department of Motor Vehicles Performance Reports, Privacy Policy Statement (Privacy/Security), install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window). If there is no radio or cell phone or they are inoperable, dispatch a passing motorist or area resident to call for help. 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. Sec. For more information on School Bus Safety Week, visit National Association for Pupil Transportation. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Required fields are marked *. Join waiting students. *Five points will be added to theoperator's driving record for each conviction. 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. As a system check on newer vehicles, the malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus resumes moving down the road or turns off its red . 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. 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. Need plates? Apply for a license or ID card (including REAL ID). Therefore, emergency evacuation procedures must be explained to all students. There is an imminent danger of an accident. A CLP holder with a P and/or an S endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV with passengers, other than federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder (CFR, Title 49 383.25). Maryland's law requires: If a school vehicle has stopped on a road and is operating the alternately flashing red lights, the driver of any vehicle following or approaching the school bust. Be prepared to act appropriately in emergency and crash situations. You can proceed if the bus driver or a traffic officer gives you the OK or when the red lights stop flashing. Always follow the "Five Alive" Operation Lifesaver steps when approaching a railroad track. Stand up and speak respectfully to the offender or offenders. 1. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm voice. The information in this section is intended to provide a broad overview, but is not a definitive set of actions. The driver may not proceed until the flashing red lights are no longer activated. Wisconsin Statute section 346.48 tells operators of vehicles what to do when approaching a school bus when the bus is displaying flashing red lights. The minimum fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $250. The crossview mirrors? Once it pulls away from a stop and its lights stop flashing, it's perfectly fine to pass. 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. California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights on. 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. At least 1 traffic lane on either side of the bus. However, a school bus does not have the slightest edge when involved in an accident with a train. Watch. The Stop-Arm Police actively seek out stop-arm violators. Generally, if a stopped school bus is displaying a flashing, alternating red lamp, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop and wait until the bus moves again or the red light is off. When students are loading at the school campus, you should: Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas as described in Section 10. They are used to monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle. See Figure 10.8. Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side crossview mirrors should be adjusted. Please enable scripts and reload this page. This means that you cannot easily see around you in front, behind, or beside the school bus. The Wisconsin Rules of the Road are designed to protect drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. At Murphy & Prachthauser we practice personal injury law the way it should be practiced motivated and equipped to do our best for you. Details: WebThe Michigan school bus traffic laws prohibit drivers from passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing. When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. The bus driver may also indicate for you to go ahead, although even then, you must exercise due caution just in case there are still kids trying to cross the road. A flashing red light at an intersection means: Stop and yield the right of way. When unloading at the school, you should follow these procedures: Dropped or Forgotten Objects. 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. The first and most important consideration is for you to recognize the hazard. When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. Drivers who speed past a school bus will not avoid a ticket. Parents, legal guardians, or chartering parties are prohibited from transporting on a bus that is equipped with safety belts, or permitting to be transported on a bus that is equipped with safety belts, a child, ward, or passenger who is under 8 years of age and under 4 feet 9 inches in height, but under 16 years old, unless they are properly restrained by a safety belt. Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged. Necessarily shorten stopping distance. The NY State Education Department, Department of Pupil Transportation, states that the youngest students are most at risk. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and cannot resume driving until the bus lights are turned off or the bus begins moving. A school bus driver shall not actuate the visual signals or the stop warning sign in designated school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the roadway or at school buildings when children or persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities are loading or unloading These younger students are unable to see over or around objects such as parked cars or bushes. As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. If necessary, pull the bus over to handle the problem. The safe distance changes state-to-state. Post a lookout. 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. Air brake vehicle, (trucks, buses, trailers, and converter dollies) built on or after March 1, 1998. This is becoming a concern in School District No. The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror. Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not working. Each state has laws and regulations governing how school buses must operate at railroad-highway crossings. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus. In order to get students to and from school safely and on time, you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task. After that, you only proceed if the lights stop flashing, the bus resumes motion, or the driver signals you onward. The fine for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is $402 . If you miss a students unloading stop, do not back up. If your bus stalls or is trapped on the tracks, get everyone out and off the tracks immediately. Tips for students There are exceptions to these school bus laws. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars. They cannot proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the school bus driver motions for the automobile driver to proceed. You are loading students along the route. When you're traveling behind a school bus that begins flashing their lights the answer is very clear; you need to stop. See Figure 10.7. In California, the fine for passing a school bus can be up to $600, according to the California Highway Patrol. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road. Determine the Need to Evacuate the Bus. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool. ABS should prevent brake-induced skids but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too fast in a turn. According to California law, drivers must stop when a school bus stops in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing lights.
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