What should drivers do when behind a stopped school bus?

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) are warning drivers to be “mentally prepared” for the upcoming school year.

Students are being welcomed back to the classrooms as early as Aug. 4, and with it comes activated school zones in the morning and afternoon and school buses.

Throughout the state, school zone times vary but are typically in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Drivers are advised to be vigilant around buses when children are going to board and getting off the bus.

“Just as students are preparing for another school year, drivers need to mentally prepare for active school zones and slow down to the posted speed,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said.

Signs are also present, warning drivers that it is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while in a school zone. A violation can lead to a $500 fine.

“Kids don’t always look before they run into the street; it’s up to us as adults to watch out for them,” Freeman said.

LHSC officials released tips for drivers to follow when in a zone or behind a school bus with activated red flashing lights and extended arm.

• On a two-lane road, a three-lane road with a center turning lane, or a four-lane road with no physical median, all vehicles in both directions must stop.
• On a divided highway with a grass median or other physical barrier, vehicles moving in the same direction as the bus must stop; oncoming traffic should proceed with caution.
• On a highway with a center turning lane with two travel lanes on each side, vehicles moving in the same direction as the bus must stop; oncoming traffic should proceed with caution.

LHSC officials emphasize it is illegal to and dangerous to pass a stopped school bus. This can lead to a $500 fine and six months in jail.

A survey from the National Association of State Director of pupil transportation Services, 29% of state school bus drivers report their buses have been illegally passed on just one day.

Latest Posts