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Question: I saw your last article was about stopping. With school just around the corner, can you talk about stopping for the school bus?
Answer: I certainly can and with last year's law change it's a good reminder. Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus's red flashing lights and extended stop arm. Alarmingly, this could create a situation where some drivers might pass the bus when the lights were flashing but the stop arm wasn't extended. The updated law closes the loophole and improves the safety of children across Minnesota. There's no more trying to beat the stop arm at the last minute when students are getting on and off the bus.
Motorists
• Red flashing lights on buses indicate students are either entering or exiting the bus. Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights, regardless of whether the stop arm has been extended. This applies when approaching from behind the bus and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.
• Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) -- but they should remain alert for children.
• Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.
• The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.
Students
• When waiting for the bus, be patient, stand back from the road and no running or rowdy behavior.
• When on the bus, stay seated, listen to the driver and use quiet voices.
• When getting off the bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
• Wait for the bus driver to signal that it's safe to cross.
• When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.
Consequences
• Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine.
• Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.