By 1808Delaware
A school bus begins to slow. Yellow lights flash overhead. Moments later, the bus stops, red lights begin blinking, and a stop arm swings into the roadway. For drivers, the message is simple: pay attention and be ready to stop.
As students return to classrooms, Westerville City Schools is reminding motorists that a few seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy.
Yellow Means Prepare
Flashing yellow lights indicate that a school bus is preparing to stop, usually to pick up or drop off students. Drivers should immediately slow down, watch the bus carefully, and prepare to bring their vehicles to a complete stop. Trying to hurry past the bus before the red lights activate can place children in danger.
Students waiting along the road may move unexpectedly, and those leaving the bus may cross in front of it where approaching drivers cannot easily see them.
Red Means Stop
Once the bus activates its red flashing lights and extends its stop arm, drivers must stop as required by law. Motorists should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus while its red lights are flashing. Children may be entering the road from either side, sometimes running to catch the bus or hurrying toward home. Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights have been turned off and the stop arm has been retracted.
Extra Attention Near Schools
School buses make frequent stops in neighborhoods and near school entrances, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours. Those areas can also include students walking, bicycling, or being dropped off by family members.
Westerville City Schools is asking drivers to reduce distractions, leave additional space around buses, and expect delays along school routes. The district’s reminder comes down to two easily remembered rules: When yellow lights begin flashing, slow down. When red lights flash and the stop arm appears, stop.
The delay may last only a few seconds. For a child crossing the road, those seconds can make all the difference.
