With school back in session, it can take time to adjust to school buses being back on the roads. Drivers throughout Connecticut need to reacquaint themselves with the rules around school buses.
Here are a few reminders of what’s expected of motorists when driving around school buses:
Obey stop arms
School buses stop frequently to load and unload children. It’s important that all drivers obey signs when school buses use them. Stop sign arms on buses must be followed by all lanes of traffic. In Connecticut, drivers need to give buses at least 10 feet of space when they are stopped.
Don’t speed around buses
This is good advice for driving in general, but it’s especially important around school buses. Give them more room than you would a car. School buses are heavier and need more time to come to complete stops. Do your best not to crowd them on the road.
Recognize bus signals
School buses have ways to signal their intention to drivers. Yellow flashing lights on the front and back of the bus indicate the bus is slowing down. The red flashing lights mean the stop arm is extending and that children are boarding or getting off.
Look out for children
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most dangerous part of a child’s trip to school is approaching or leaving the bus. Even if a bus does not look like it’s stopping, keep an eye out. Parents in cars rushing to get children to the next stop may drive erratically or kids running to catch a bus may dart into the street.
With kids across Connecticut back in school, it’s important for drivers to accommodate school buses on the road. These driving habits can help make the road safer for buses and the kids on them.
If you’re involved in an accident because of someone’s reckless driving, an attorney skilled in motor vehicle accidents can help you review your options.
