Sharing the Road (with School Buses)
Never pass a bus from behind if it’s stopped to load or unload children.
If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
The area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
Reminders (for Drivers)
Four easy ways to stay alert:
Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school’s drop off procedure.
Make eye contact with children crossing the street.
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
The area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.
Slow Down and Be Alert (in Neighborhoods)
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.
Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school's drop-off procedure.
Share the Road (with Pedestrians)
A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe.
Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn; this could put pedestrians in the path of moving traffic.
In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
Always stop for any crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
Reminders (for Bike Riders)
Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file.
Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
Make sure your child always wears a properly fitting helmet and bright clothing.
Rules (for Bus Stops)
If you see the bus is flashing yellow, plan for them to prepare to stop, prompting you to follow suit.
As soon as the lights start flashing red, motorists must come to a complete stop whether you are behind the bus or on the other side of a two-lane roadway (with painted lines).
Motorists must use caution on a multi-lane road or divided highway with unpaved medians, or barriers when a bus stops.