What does it mean when a school bus is stopped on a roadway and its red lights are flashing?
You may pass if no children are on the road.
You may not pass.
You may pass if you are facing the front of the bus.
You may pass if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: You may not pass.
When a school bus is stopped on a roadway with its red lights flashing, it is signaling that children are either getting on or off the bus. This is a critical safety measure designed to protect children as they cross the road or approach the bus. In most states, the law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing, regardless of whether the driver is approaching or following the bus.
Here’s why you should never pass a school bus with its red lights flashing:
- Child Safety: The primary reason for this law is the safety of children. School buses are equipped with safety features like crossing arms and warning lights, but these do not guarantee safety if drivers do not comply with the law. Children often cross in front of or behind the bus, unaware of traffic. Stopping ensures that they can safely move to and from the bus without the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.
- Legal Requirements: The law typically applies whether you are driving in the same direction as the bus or on the opposite side of the road. In most cases, you must stop when the bus’s red lights are flashing, and the stop sign is extended. This applies to roads without physical barriers, such as divided highways. However, on a divided highway with a median or other physical barrier separating the lanes of traffic, drivers on the opposite side of the bus may be permitted to pass, but caution should still be exercised.
- Penalties: Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights can result in significant fines, points on your driver’s license, and even suspension in some cases. These penalties are intended to enforce safe driving practices around school buses and protect vulnerable children.
By following these rules, you contribute to making the roads safer for students, helping to prevent accidents and ensuring that children can board and exit their buses without the added danger of moving traffic.