200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus. This sign marks the crossing. For more information on School Bus Safety Week, visit National Association for Pupil Transportation. Bus drivers are required to turn on the flashing red lights at any time the students are getting onto or off of the bus. on roads that are divided to separate the directions of travel, in the direction that the bus is traveling. What does this mean for drivers and preventing auto accidents? When you see these lights flashing on the back of a bus? After that, you only start moving when the bus has removed the visual signal by retracting the stop sign or stopping the flashing red lights. Drive so you never need to use your ABS. A decision to evacuate should include consideration of the following conditions: Mandatory Evacuations. However, drivers must yield the right-of-way if other traffic is approaching from the opposite direction. However, if it has stopped and its red lights are flashing, then you must stop and wait until it resumes motion and turns off its lights. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on a four lane two way roadway which lanes must stop? If your bus is so equipped, the overhead strobe light should be used when you have limited visibility. If there is a behavior problem on the bus, wait until the students unloading are safely off the bus and have moved away. The blind spot behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet depending on the length and width of the bus. Retrieve emergency equipment. What happens if you pass a school bus with flashing lights? It could be an accident, a stalled school bus on a railroad-highway crossing or in a high-speed intersection, an electrical fire in the engine compartment, or medical emergency to a student on the school bus, etc. Flashing Red A flashing red traffic signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. The side of a school bus acts like a sail on a sailboat. Remember, children are often unpredictable and may not see you coming. You can prevent school bus/train accidents by following these recommended procedures. Those in opposing traffic lanes on the other side of the barrier dont have to stop, with a few exceptions. Generally, if a stopped school bus is displaying a flashing, alternating red lamp, a driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking the stopped bus from either direction (front or back) must stop and wait until the bus moves again or the red light is off. What does it mean when a school bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing quizlet? When you see flashing red or amber warning lights, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop. Always follow the "Five Alive" Operation Lifesaver steps when approaching a railroad track. When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information. If you have a case you would like to speak to a lawyer about, please contact us to schedule a free consultation and get an experienced team of lawyers working on your behalf. The bus driver will flash lights on the front and rear of the bus. When students are loading at the school campus, you should: Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas as described in Section 10. 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. Know the length of your bus and size of the containment area at railroad-highway crossings on the school bus route, as well as any crossing you encounter in the course of a school activity trip. There is a need to quickly evacuate because of a HazMat spill. Remember, in addition to picking up and dropping off students, school buses are required by law to stop at railroad crossings. Some school buses are equipped with roof-mounted, white strobe lights. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. "Getting the crosswalk was the first step in that process and our goal since the accident is that this doesn't happen to someone . And at that time you're not supposed to pass them. There is a blind spot area directly behind the drivers seat, as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. Pennsylvania law prohibits any items including students from barricading the aisles and the emergency exit. Pavement Markings. Contact your dispatcher to get more information on how to proceed. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you're headed. Copyright 2020 Murphy & Prachthauser, SC - All Rights Reserved - Milwaukee Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers |, Defective and Dangerous Product Attorneys. If you're going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. Advance Warning Signs. Remove the key if leaving the drivers compartment. Drivers who do not stop for the red, flashing lights may face fines up to $1,000; they could also have their licenses suspended for up to a year. There is also a no passing zone sign on 2-lane roads. Remaining stopped until the bus starts moving or turns off the flashing red lights. on roads that are divided to separate. See Figure 10.6. If you drive past a stopped school bus with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated, you can face: First offence fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 6 demerit points Each following offence fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 6 demerit points possible jail time of up to 6 months Stop arm cameras on school buses They are used to see the front bumper danger zone area directly in front of the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and the danger zone area to the left and right side of the bus, including the service door and front wheel area. Obstructed View of Tracks. The front of the school bus must remain behind this line while stopped at the crossing. The front of the rear tires touching the ground. Lead students upwind (into the wind) of the bus if fire is present. Always use caution when approaching a stopped school bus. See our Cancellations, Closings and Delays page for more information. One way states seek to reduce these types of tragic accidents is by establishing strict rules for when motorists must stop for school buses. To translate this page, please If a police officer is at the crossing, obey directions. on a highway or trafficway shall stop at least ten feet before reaching the school bus when the red signal lights on the school bus are flashing and the side stop signal arms are activated under section 4552(b.1) (relating to general requirements for school . The . Each year, PennDOT participates in National School Bus Safety Week, which will be celebrated this year from Oct. 18-22, 2021. Passive crossings require you to recognize the crossing, search for any train(s) using the tracks, and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely. This is to warn you that children might be crossing. Stopping to pick up the object or returning to pick up the object may cause the student to disappear from the drivers sight at a very dangerous moment. Additionally, you must wait until the children are clear of the road and the sign is withdrawn for you to proceed. 682. Second violation within 18 months - penalty of $275, Third violation (or more) within 18 months - penalty of $300. For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet. The following procedures are meant to be general guidelines. Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. Have the students board the school bus slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. Readers ask: When Is The Next Mta Bus Operator Exam? The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. This round, black-on-yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public railroad-highway crossing. You must remain stopped until the school bus. Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Students should board the bus only when signaled by the driver. School bus safety tips for drivers: Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing. Motorists attempted to pass the bus, claiming they did not have time to wait. In Florida, drivers cannot pass a bus displaying the stop signal. Troopers didn't say how far beyond the 45-mph limit the driver may have been going. For instance, if youre driving on a highway with a significant barrier in the middle, only the vehicles following the bus should stop. Move everyone far from the bus at an angle, which is both away from the tracks and toward the train. This mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. Always focus on students as they approach the bus and watch for any who disappear from sight. Instead, they flash warning lights near the buss roof to prompt you to reduce your speed and prepare to stop. Dangle the radio microphone or telephone out of the drivers window and take your cell phone for later use, if operable. Be aware cross with care! Painted lines and pavement markings do not count. The penalty for failure to stop for a school bus goes from a minimum $100 to $200 and if a second offense is committed in 5 years, the person's license will be suspended for up to 1 year. Be prepared to act appropriately in emergency and crash situations. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm voice. California Vehicle Code 22454 (a) prohibits a driver from passing a school bus when: The bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any school children; and, The bus displays flashing red lights and/or a stop signal . The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus. The safe distance changes state-to-state. It is safe to proceed once the lights stop flashing. Keystone State. If there is more than 1 track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing. Lastly, New York is one of the few states where you must stop, even on the opposite side of a divided highway. If possible, know the names of students at each stop. Can you pass a bus with flashing yellow lights? After unloading all children at the school or after your last stop, make sure to do a post-trip of your bus and check to make sure that no child has been left on the bus. As the yellow lights come on the speed limit is reduced to 20mph, regardless of what the street signs say. Pennsylvania law prohibits children from standing on the bus while the bus is in motion. After unloading at school, why should you walk through the bus? Look up the status of an active OL permit holder. Repeat offenders can face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail. However, you must recognize there may not be older, responsible students on the bus at the time of the emergency. State Laws: Stopping for School Buses State Laws: Stopping for School Buses In-Service School Bus Driver: Online In-Service (15 Hours) View Online Courses Do you know the laws in your state? As a general rule, a driver should not get any closer than 20 feet to a school bus that has stopped with red lights flashing. Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to the safe operation of the school bus in order to observe the danger zone around the bus and look for students, traffic, and other objects in this area. Also, if there are still children on the side of the road, you have to drive slowly until youre past them. 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. The minimum fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $250. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus. In order to get students to and from school safely and on time, you need to be able to concentrate on the driving task. When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Each school district establishes official routes and school bus stops. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Even if there are active railroad signals that indicate the tracks are clear, you must look and listen to be sure it is safe to proceed. Watch. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars. The six winners of the competition are also recognized at an event held during National School Bus Safety Week. When travelling in school zones, drivers must pay attention to the posted signs. If you re going the opposite direction, though, passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights is okay. This law is in place whether you are following the bus or approaching from the opposite direction and allows students to leave the bus safely. Try to anticipate gusts. Children can be unpredictable and may try to cross the road when its not safe to do so. Tips for students The winners of the poster contest are recognized at an event in Harrisburg held every October as part of National School Bus Safety Week. 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. Don't start driving until the red lights stop flashing. When a school bus is flashing its red overhead lights? This includes knowing how to operate the various emergency exits and the importance of listening to and following all instructions given by you. (1) The operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately . Use caution when using a public computer or device. When unloading at the school, you should follow these procedures: Dropped or Forgotten Objects. 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. With this in mind, Chesar shared some reminders for the public. When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST . When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Lead students as far away from railroad tracks as possible and in the direction of any oncoming train. When the school bus is moving, always stay in your seat. 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. If so for fog rain and snow, as well as to let children and parents know its a school bus. It is important that the school bus driver understands and obeys state and local laws and regulations. As a general rule, student safety and control is best maintained by keeping students on the bus during an emergency and/or impending crisis situation, if it does not expose them to unnecessary risk or injury. This typically happens when the school bus is dropping off or picking up students. However, a school bus does not have the slightest edge when involved in an accident with a train. According to the California law (CVC 22454), motorists must remain stopped as long as the red lights on the school bus are flashing.