If it will not fit, do not commit! Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability, Special Interest and Personalized License Plates Orders, New Trailer and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Report of Sale, Vehicle & Occupational Licensing Industry News Memos, Vehicle Industry Services Resources & Links, Industry Business Center Case Status Request, Occupational Licensing Status Information System, Section 4: Transporting Passengers Safely, The History of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Motor Vehicles Strategic Plan: 2021-2026, Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program, Department of Motor Vehicles Field Office Wait Times Reports, Department of Motor Vehicles Performance Reports, Privacy Policy Statement (Privacy/Security), install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window). School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Buses should be treated differently than you would treat an average-sized vehicle. If there is no police officer, and you believe the signal is malfunctioning, call your dispatcher to report the situation and ask for instructions on how to proceed. When to Stop for School Buses in NC (and Why)! - James Scott Farrin As the weather gets warmer and the school year winds down, children are even more excited to get home from school and play outside with their friends. See Figure 10.8. Road Rules for School Buses, School Zones and Crossing Guards Check all mirrors again. As a result, knowing what to do before, during, and after loading or unloading students is critical. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus resumes moving down the road or turns off its red . When you see these lights flashing on the back of a bus? Updated Lighting Requirements for Ontario School Buses | Halton Student Each year, PennDOT sponsors a school bus safety poster contest for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. Watch. Where should students walk to after exiting the bus? ABS only comes into play when a wheel would normally have locked up because of over braking. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger zones. This section will give you specific procedures to help you avoid unsafe conditions that could result in injuries and fatalities during and after loading and unloading students. The statute requires: Following these two rules will allow for safer drivers, safer children and safer neighborhoods. Take the ignition key with you if you leave your seat. Be especially careful at passive crossings. Your school bus will have a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel if equipped with ABS. General Procedures. Like most other states, school bus rules in Texas dictate you stop if you see the flashing red lights. The bus is on fire or there is a threat of a fire. Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. Lights begin to flash when the bus stops and the doors open, and they keep flashing for about 20 seconds after the doors close. Crosswalk with flashing lights installed near bus stop 6 months after You should walk through the bus and around the bus to look for the following: Any problems or special situations should be reported immediately to your supervisor or school authorities. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Why is there a white flashing light on school buses? Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. When getting off of the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so that they don't get caught on the handrail or the door. . The purpose of the lookout is to warn you about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. According to the Ontario government, drivers who ignore the red flashing lights or the school bus's stop arm, can face a hefty fine from $400 to $2,000 if it's their first offence. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and cannot resume driving until the bus lights are turned off or the bus begins moving. How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. Information is available for passenger vehicles, school buses/vehicles, as well as, wheelchairs and child passenger safety restraints. There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a HazMat spill. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. In general, school buses must stop at all crossings, and drivers must ensure it is safe before proceeding across the tracks. You should closely observe all students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a safe location prior to moving the bus. (1) The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately . What is a passive railroad-highway crossing? You should slow down to lessen the effect of the wind, or pull off the roadway and wait. See Figure 10.8. The winners of the poster contest are recognized at an event in Harrisburg held every October as part of National School Bus Safety Week. Kids are back in school, school zone lights are flashing, and the police are out in force enforcing the law in school zones. This forces the students to walk to the bus so you have a better view of their movements. Hi! Park in a safe location off the road, perhaps a parking lot or driveway. If the lamp stays on after the bulb check, or goes on once you are under way, you may have lost ABS control at 1 or more wheels. There is also a no passing zone sign on 2-lane roads. These children, though they represent less than 35% of the student population, were involved in 69% of the fatalities (79 out of 114). According to Florida Statute 316.172, you must stop when approaching any school bus that displays the stop signal and has its red lights flashing. How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a railroad-highway crossing? Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers across the road lane. Stopping closer than 20ft away from a school bus constitutes a violation of Wisconsin law and could result in a citation or worse, if someone gets hurt. The driver shall use an approved, hand-held STOP sign while escorting all students. In Florida, drivers cannot pass a bus displaying the stop signal. Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses daily. If you see flashing yellow lights, that means the school bus is about to stop. Because of a trains size and weight it cannot stop quickly. Crossbuck Signs. If you re behind it, its illegal to pass on the right side. For instance, you might be required to stop your vehicle if a school bus is stopped on the side of the road. Slow down in or near school and residential areas. Watching for these yellow lights is especially helpful in areas with higher speed limits because it allows drivers to slow their speeds in time to stop for the bus when the lights turn red. The Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) reports that in New York State, 2.3 million children are transported by more than 50,000 school buses annually.Laws protect students who are getting on and off a school bus by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and the red lights on the school bus are flashing, regardless of the direction of approach. Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something is not working. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. Can You Pass A School Bus In Michigan? | Michigan Auto Law When the road crosses over more than one set of tracks, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. What does it mean when a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing quizlet? The Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) reports that in New York State, 2.3 million children are transported by more than 50,000 school buses annually. Be sure that all students are in the bus before backing. Wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out onto the road. Approaching the bus from the rear: When approaching from the rear, the rules are the same as for a two- or three- lane road. Flashing Red A flashing red traffic signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from the rear with its overhead red signals lights flashing, shall stop at least 20 metres before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus moves, or the overhead lights have stopped flashing and its stop arm is no longer activated. Retrieve emergency equipment. Passive crossings have yellow circular advance warning signs, pavement markings, and crossbucks to assist you in recognizing a crossing. *Five points will be added to theoperator's driving record for each conviction. Yellow flashing lights on the front and back indicate a bus is about to stop to load or unload students, so motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. First conviction - fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail, Second conviction within 3 years - fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail, Vehicle Owners - A law was passed in 2019, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) website, Automated Records Access for Businesses and Government, DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application. Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled portion of the roadway. School Bus Safety - PennDOT When should you activate your alternating flashing amber warning lights? In California, the law states that: Drivers behind school buses must stop when school buses stop and display their flashing red lights (and extend their stop signs, if equipped). The school bus stop signal arm will be extended after the school bus has come to a complete stop. Stop behind the school bus when the school bus stops and its stop arm is extended. ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but not always shorten stopping distance. Determine if evacuation is in the best interest of safety. The yellow ABS malfunction lamp is on the bus instrument panel. As a system check on newer vehicles, the malfunction lamp comes on at start-up for a bulb check and then goes out quickly. These lights could be malfunctioning. Generally, you can pass a school bus in Michigan if it is in motion or its red lights are not flashing. Check all mirrors. See Figure 10.5. School Bus Safety - Michigan You can proceed if the bus driver or a traffic officer gives you the OK or when the red lights stop flashing. Motorists claimed they couldnt see the flashing lights because the lights were dirty or because sun, rain, snow, or fog blinded them. Perform a safe stop as described in Section 10. If you re going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. If a change of seating is needed, request that the student move to a seat near you. Passing on either side of the school bus can lead to a fine anywhere from $500 to $1250 or more in Texas. Always do a pre-trip inspection prior to every run to check for mechanical defects that could jeopardize safety. Your visibility could be only slightly limited or be so bad that you can see nothing at all. Drivers who speed past a school bus will not avoid a ticket. 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus. Ontario mandates new amber-red light warning system on school buses It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when yellow lights are flashing. Escort all students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any grades 1 through 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped. If the school bus is so equipped, activate alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet or approximately 510 seconds before the school bus stop or in accordance with state law. Remember, the decision to evacuate the bus must be a timely one. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. With this in mind, Chesar shared some reminders for the public. Below are examples of school bus laws according to Drive-Safety in different heavily populated states where some minor differences might crop up. The safe distance changes state-to-state. What Are the Rules in Florida Regarding Stopping for a School Bus Would removing students expose them to speeding traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous environment such as downed power lines? However, vehicles moving in the opposite direction can pass if theres a raised barrier or an unpaved median five feet or larger. School Bus Rules: When You Should and Shouldn't Stop If the bus is also equipped with amber or yellow lights, these lights are used to signal that the bus will be slowing down. Set out emergency warning devices as necessary and appropriate. Wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. Constantly check all mirrors and rear windows. For more information on the contest, and to view previous winners, click here. For more information about Love the Bus, visit Love the Bus. comments on Quick Answer: What Do Flashing Red Lights On A School Bus Indicate? You should never change the location of a bus stop without written approval from the appropriate school district official. Drivers must stay stopped until the red lights are off. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Graphic shows drivers the rules. According to Texas law, drivers have to stop when a school bus extends its stop sign or when it turns on its flashing red lights. Even if the bus driver waves you ahead, you should still remain vigilant and keep to slower speeds. School Bus Safety - ct They could run into the road at any time. After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus? Never push when getting on or off of the school bus. on roads that are divided to separate. The convex mirrors are located below the outside flat mirrors. To warn other motorists or pedestrians on a roadway during a backing maneuver, the operator of a school bus may flash hazard lights (CVC 25257.5). Lastly, New York is one of the few states where you must stop, even on the opposite side of a divided highway. . Sometimes, it may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in contact with the material. At the School Transportation Safety Committee meeting in Pinellas County in October, the county's transportation director said they were working with the school board and the transportation staff to evaluate options for crossing locations along Belleair Road. This also applies to highways where vehicles are traveling in both directions. Each year, during National School Bus Safety Week, PennDOT works with Pennsylvania State and municipal police departments to conduct Operation Safe Stop. Remember, in addition to picking up and dropping off students, school buses are required by law to stop at railroad crossings. School bus rules when red lights are flashing | Kent schools start Ensure that all students who cross the highway or private road where the school bus stopped have crossed safely, and that all other students and pedestrians are at a safe distance from the school bus before setting the school bus in motion. California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights on. When a school bus is flashing its red overhead lights? - When a school bus turns on its flashing lights or the driver extends the stop signs on the sides of the bus, you muststop your vehicle at least 5 metres (16 feet) away from the bus. Tips for Children: School is back in session. Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. They should be far enough away so the bus cannot topple on them. The bus driver waved the car through the red flashing lights, unaware a child was crossing the road at that time. Is there a chance the bus could be hit by other vehicles? Allow you to drive faster, follow more closely, or drive less carefully. Each year, PennDOT participates in National School Bus Safety Week, which will be celebrated this year from Oct. 18-22, 2021. Drivers who illegally pass a bus face up to a $1,000 fine and could have their license suspended for one year. These questions may be on your test. When the bus stops, red lights on the top of the bus will begin flashing, signaling drivers that children are entering or exiting the bus and may be crossing the street. (See Figure A) 2) Stop at least 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights if you are on a divided highway and on the same side of the highway as the school bus. Required Stopping For School Bus - Iowa School Bus Safety When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. They provide a view of traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the bus. After that, you only proceed if the lights stop flashing, the bus resumes motion, or the driver signals you onward. State and local laws and regulations regarding unloading students at schools, particularly in situations where activities take place in the school parking lot or other location off the traveled roadway, are often different than unloading along the school bus route. When travelling in school zones, drivers must pay attention to the posted signs. Wisconsin Statute section 346.48 tells operators of vehicles what to do when approaching a school bus when the bus is displaying flashing red lights. What Is The Difference Between Red Lights and Yellow Lights On School Buses? When unloading at the school, you should follow these procedures: Dropped or Forgotten Objects. California's Laws Regarding School Zones & Buses The dome light should be on while loading in the dark. Gates. According to The Bellingham Herald, the general rule is that drivers overtaking or meeting a school bus thats stopped on the side of the road and has activated a visual signal shall stop before reaching it. Use caution when using a public computer or device. However, a school bus does not have the slightest edge when involved in an accident with a train. Will you be more careful now that you know the 20ft rule? A school bus's yellow lights are a warning that the bus is about to stop so you need to slow down and be prepared to stop. This is to warn you that children might be crossing. You should position these mirrors to see: Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and right side convex mirrors should be adjusted. August 31, 2022 by Steven M. Gursten. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. For more information, please visit the Operation Lifesaver website. Any roadway, highway, private road or parking lot located on school property. You are unloading students along your route. Keystone State. 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