Our children are precious, and their safety is very important. One of
the most dangerous situations they face during their day is getting on
and off their school bus. They do not always follow rules. We have to
make sure we know and follow the rules, to keep them safe.
Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorist of pending actions.
Yellow Flashing Lights :
indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload
children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicle.
Red Flashing Lights And Extended Stop Arms:
Indicates that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting off
on or off . Motorist must stop their cars and wait until the red lights
stop flashing , and the extended stop arm sign is withdrawn, before
they can start driving again.
If a motorist runs a school buses reds lights and
a City of Bridgeport Police Officer issues you a citation for failure
to stop and remain stopped for a school bus,(when red flashing lights
are activated) the fine is $435.00.
This is considered a serious moving violation.
Consequences of your actions:
- You will not be able to take a defensive driving course nor could the ticket be deferred.
- This violation will go onto your driving record.
- Not only will this be on your record,but it can affect your insurance rates.
- it also adds points to your license.
- If you receive so many points in a certain time frame, the State can charge you a surcharge fee.
When A School Bus Loads or Unloads Students On Roadways
Individual Roads And Highways
On individual roads and highways (those
without medians or barriers in the middle), the general rule is that if
you are approaching a school bus that has stopped(red flashing lights
on) in the road, STOP! NO matter which direction you are approaching
from. It does not matter how many lanes the road has.
- A turning lane is not a median or barrier and you still must stop
Example:
Divided Roads And Highways:
The general rule for divided roads is slightly different. Remember, a
turning lane does not make the road a divided road. A divided road is
one that has a barrier or median. On a divided road or highway, only
traffic going in the same direction as as the bus are required to stop.
