School is back in session and many Palm Beach County students and parents 
are relying on the school bus to get the students to class on time and safely. Even though school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation for traveling to and from school – children are still at risk when other drivers violate bus traffic signals.
To protect the safety of its children, Florida law requires every single driver to stop when a school bus has its “STOP” sign extended and its red lights flashing.
It is illegal for drivers to pass the bus until the “STOP” sign has been completely withdrawn.
A 2015 survey conducted by the Florida Department of Education found that “the most common illegal passing of a school bus occurs from the front and on the left side of the bus – during either the morning or afternoon.” Such violations place children at risk of being injured by negligent drivers.
The Florida Department of Education provides the following safety instructions for drivers on the road:
- All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.
- On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.
- On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.
- Be alert and watch for children especially near schools, bus stops, school buses and in school parking lots.
- Pay extra attention to lower speed limits in school zones.
- Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
Ignoring the rules that come with sharing the road with school buses are a major threat to students who are entering or exiting the bus, and/or need to cross the street to hop on the bus. Therefore, be mindful of the traffic rules, leave the house early to avoid speeding through designated school zones, and remember that children are still young, learning, and often distracted – help to keep them safe!
