Back to School Safe Driving Tips
As students go back to school this year, it’s important to slow down and pay attention – especially before and after school.
As students go back to school this year, roads will become more congested with school buses and parents dropping off kids. It’s important to slow down and pay attention – especially before and after school. Here are some tips to follow as school gets back in full swing.
Tip #1 – Stop for school buses with flashing red lights! It’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load/unload children. The fines for doing so are steep. In NY, the first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250-$400, plus 5 points on your license and the possibility of 30 days in jail.
Tip #2 – It is illegal to pass a school bus from behind when yellow lights are flashing. Flashing yellow lights means a bus is going to stop. Drivers behind the bus must slow down and prepare to stop. Oncoming cars must drop their speed to 20-25 mph (depending on state law) or less. Oncoming cars must stop when the stop arm is extended and red lights flash.
Tip #3 – Reduce Speed in School Zones! It’s the law! Be aware of where school zones are (they are often accompanied by flashing lights and a reduced speed limit sign), and slow down to the posted speed. Most states impose severe fines for breaking traffic laws within a school zone.
Tip #4 – Be alert! Kids can be unpredictable and dart out into the road when you least expect it. In addition to students that ride the bus, watch for students that walk or bike to school. Always yield to pedestrians in the road, make sure to stop for crossing guards holding up a stop sign, and don’t block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or making a turn.
Tip #5 – Check your state laws for school bus stopping. State laws differ when it comes to stopping for a bus if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway, or how many feet away you should be stopping. In NJ, you must stop at least 25 feet away from a bus; in NY it’s 20 feet. In MA, it’s the law to stop no matter which side of the road you are travelling. The one exception is if a school bus has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier between travel directions. In NY, you must stop even if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. In NJ, you can pass on the opposite side of a dual-lane highway with a safety island or raised meridian, but must slow to 10 mph. Make sure you are familiar with the bus laws in your state.
Please drive safe this school season, and help ensure the safety of our children.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.