By Don Rutledge
FPS Associate Editor
August 31, 2010
 |
| When you see a School (zone) speed limit sign (right) or a school bus stopped with flashing lights in operation - that means for motorists to STOP! |
Schools are open - flashers are on - that means STOP!
Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when driving through school zones and meeting school buses since the opening of all area schools for the 2010-11 school year.
Here are some tips when approaching a school zone or school bus which is picking up or dropping off students.
- Alternating flashing lights warn motorists they are approaching a school zone where the speed limit is a maximum of 20 miles per hour - 10 to 15 mph is safer.
- Alternating flashing amber (yellow) lights on a school bus warn motorists the bus is stopping to take on or to discharge passengers.
- Alternating flashing red lights inform motorists the bus is stopped on the roadway to take on or discharge passengers.
- A stop arm is operated simultaneously with flashing red signal lights.
- A white flashing strobe light is sometimes used when unfavorable atmospheric conditions or time of day limit visibility such as fog, rain, snow or darkness.
- Four-way hazard lights are activated on all buses at railroad crossings and turn-arounds unless prohibited by a local ordinance.
- The bus will have its four-way hazard lights and backup lights on as it prepares to back into a side street or driveway to turn around.
- Motorists should use caution when they approach a bus in the process of completing a turn-around.
Signals and Laws
Motorists need to know the signals and the laws that concern school buses to help keep children safe. They include:
- DO NOT pass a school bus that has red alternating flashing lights on. This is the signal that the bus is stopped to load or unload children. Traffic should not move until the bus resumes motion or the driver signals traffic to proceed.
- WHEN a bus has alternating flashing amber (yellow) lights on, it is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should be ready to stop and watch for children in the roadway.
Ohio Law
The Ohio Revised Code requires motorists to stop for all school buses when the alternating flashing lights on turned on. The law reads as follows:
The driver of a vehicle, streetcar or trackless trolley upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency, shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.
Fines and Suspensions
Carroll County Municipal Court Judge Gary L. Willen says fines and drivers license suspensions for failure to stop for a school bus can vary depending upon the circumstances.
Fines can range from 0 to $500 and drivers license suspensions can be imposed of up to one year, Judge Willen said.
Tips for Riding
Here are a few tips for students and parents to ensure the safety of their children who ride a school bus.
- CAUTION: Check drawstrings of clothing. Anything over 3 inches long can be dangerous while entering or exiting a bus as it can become snagged on bus handrails.
- TEACH your child to stay 10 steps away from the bus pick-up point.
- IF your child must cross in front of the bus, help remind him/her to watch for the bus driver’s hand signal and cross at least 10 steps in front of the bus.
- WARN your child not to pick up anything he/she may drop near the bus. Have your child tell the bus driver and he/she can help.
- DON’T have your child go to the mail box after departing from the school bus.
- NOTIFY the school principal if your child is missing and have someone remain by your phone so you can be reached when the child is located. If you are unable to reach the principal by phone, contact the bus garage at 330-627-4044. They will be able to assist through radio communication with the bus drivers.
- REMEMBER: School bus safety is a team effort. Nothing is more precious than a child’s life! |
