Back to school season is in the air, with many kids in the Treasure Valley back to their school routines or getting ready to begin in the next few weeks. And with school back in session, it means we'll be seeing many busses on the roads. We've heard of the tragic stories involving accidents with busses and school kids, so here are a few reminders about the laws for motorists driving near busses as well as some tips for boarding and unloading for your kiddos (via Brown Bus Company):

STANDARD SCHOOL BUS STOP
Motorists coming to a school bus from either direction must stop when the bus displays flashing red warning lights and extend the "stop" signal arm. These signals show that children are getting on or off the school bus.

  • Vehicles may not pass until the flashing red lights and signals are turned off.
  • Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop.
  • Drivers moving in the opposite direction on a two-lane or two-lane (with center turn lane) are required to stop.
    • According to schooltrainingsolutions.com, in Idaho: "On a highway with two or more lanes going each direction, oncoming traffic is not required to stop when meeting a school bus."
  • Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.

Violation of these laws can result in a citation and fine. School bus drivers can report stop violations for prosecution.

TIPS FOR BOARDING BUS (via Brown Bus Company):

Make sure your kiddo is at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. "Students should stay out of the roadway and be respectful of other people’s property. For the SAFETY of each student, there should not be any horseplay, pushing, shoving, or harassing at the bus stop."

TIPS FOR UNLOADING BUS (via Brown Bus Company):

  1. Take 3 GIANT STEPS OUT.
  2. Then 10 GIANT STEPS FORWARD
  3. NOTE: WAIT FOR THE DRIVER TO WAVE YOU ACROSS.
  4. Then follow the WALK ZONE to Safety.

For more safety tips and rules you must follow when driving near or around busses CLICK HERE. Be safe this back to school season!!!

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