It's that time of year again, back to school season is here! With back to school comes the return of school buses, school zones, and young kids running here there and everywhere. What does that mean for drivers? It means it's probably a good idea to refresh your memory when it comes to back to school driving safety, so check out these helpful tips now that back to school season is in full swing.

  • School Buses - School buses are back on the road and it's always good to have a quick reminder when it comes to the specific laws around school buses. First off, they have red flashing lights and stop signs to alert drivers when they are about to stop. School pupil transport vehicles have red flashing lights and "SCHOOL BUS" signs on top. They use these signals as warnings letting students on and off. If the lights are on and the sign is out, you MUST stop regardless of which side you're traveling on, it's the law. The only exception is if a school bus has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier between travel directions. That is the only time you do not have to stop. If you violate this law, a first offense can get you a $250 fine or even a license suspension. Be sure to go slow even once the stop signs are away and the lights stop flashing, children can often times run out on the street and surprise you, so proceed with caution.



  • Distracted Driving - Distracted driving is dangerous enough as it is, and there's no reason to be on the phone when you're driving, but if you're in a school zone or anywhere near an area that kids gather, it becomes even more dangerous because children have been known to unexpectedly dart across the street, so you need to give the road your full attention. If you're a new driver under the age of 18, any and all cell phone use while driving is against the law. Texting and any internet related activities are illegal for all drivers, although if you are over 18 it is legal to make a phone call while driving, but try to avoid doing so if you're in a school zone, near a playground, or any other area where children gather.




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