Help Stop School Bus Fatalities
Help Stop Child Fatalities Around School Buses
A Reminder About School Bus Safety in California
As the school year begins, it’s important for all drivers to stay alert and follow California traffic laws around school buses and school zones. These laws exist to protect children who may be walking, boarding, or exiting a bus in unpredictable traffic conditions.
Why School Bus Safety Matters
Children near school buses can move suddenly or step into traffic without warning. Because of this, drivers must exercise extra caution in school zones and around stopped school buses.
California law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is displaying flashing red lights and a stop arm.
California School Bus Law
Under California Vehicle Code Section 22454:
Drivers must stop when approaching a school bus from either direction (on a two-way roadway) that is stopped to load or unload children with flashing red lights and a stop arm extended. Drivers may not proceed until the lights stop flashing and the arm is withdrawn.
Failing to stop can result in serious penalties, including fines and potential legal consequences.
Key School Zone Safety Tips
To help protect children and avoid violations:
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Slow down in school zones and residential areas
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Watch carefully for crossing guards and children near the roadway
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Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights
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Avoid distractions such as texting or phone use while driving
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Stay alert at intersections and crosswalks near schools
Stay Focused and Drive Responsibly
School zones require full attention from drivers. Even a brief distraction can lead to dangerous situations. Giving yourself extra time, reducing speed, and staying alert can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Final Thoughts
Protecting children around school buses is a shared responsibility. By following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits, every driver can help create safer streets for students and families across California.
References
Leginfo.ca.gov. VEHICLE CODE SECTION 22450-22456. Retrieved August 16, 2016 from:http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
NBC News. School bus injuries much higher than thought. Retrieved March 27, 2018, from: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15581273/ns/health-childrens_health/t/school-bus-injuries-much-higher-thought/#.Wrrdo5dG2pA
Wikipedia.org (2016). An American school bus displaying front and rear folding stop signs [Online image]. Retrieved Jan. 16, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_sign
