As the school year begins in Louisiana, it is time for all drivers to become aware of the laws about stopping for school buses. Some drivers are unaware or unsure of the laws. These laws are imperative to keeping kids safe when getting on and off the bus. As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are following the law and doing your part to keep kids safe.
According to KPEL, your requirements for stopping for a school bus depend on what type of road you are on. If you are on a two-lane road and traveling in any direction, you must always stop for a school bus that is stopped to pick up or drop off children. If you are on a divided highway with multiple lanes going in each direction, you only must stop if you are traveling the same direction as the bus.
Buses will have flashing lights and a stop sign that swings out. Red flashing lights means the bus is stopped and you must stop. You cannot go around the bus at any point when it is stopped. Children may be crossing the road in front of the bus and passing the bus could put their safety at risk.
Ignoring the law about stopping for school buses could get you’re a ticket. Not to mention it seriously endangers the lives of those children getting on or off the bus. Make sure to pay attention for buses in the morning and afternoon before and after school. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
