Whether you have kids or not, the end of summer can bring changes to your driving routine. Drivers need to deal with reduced speed limits in school zones, more young pedestrians and bicyclists and traffic jams around schools during drop-off and pick-up times.
Back-to-school season also means drivers need to watch out for school buses – and the kids they’re letting out. Areas where kids gather to wait for the bus can also become danger zones.
California, like all states, has strict traffic laws involving driving near school buses. Violating them can land people in jail for months and cost them thousands of dollars in fines. If someone is injured or worse, the consequences can be far more serious.
The laws around stopping for a school bus
Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the bus if its red lights are flashing or its stop sign is extended (or both) if they’re traveling in the same direction as the bus or in the opposite direction on a two-lane road or where there’s no physical barrier (like a median) dividing traffic going in opposite directions.
Don’t just wait for the stop sign to be retracted. Drivers need to be certain that all children have left the bus and have safely crossed the road. It’s important to watch for crossing guards to be safely out of the road as well.
School buses can bring out the worst in drivers
It’s not unusual to encounter an impatient or even reckless driver in a school zone or when stopped for a school bus. This is especially true in the mornings when kids are going to school at the same time as a lot of people are driving to work. The start of the new school year can cause extra frustration for people who didn’t realize they needed to allow more time for their morning commute. Don’t let them rattle you, no matter how much they honk, yell or otherwise show their displeasure.
If you are injured by a negligent or reckless driver, it’s crucial to know your rights. Whether they face penalties for violating traffic laws or not, you have a right to seek compensation for your medical bills and other expenses and damages. Having experienced legal guidance can help you get the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.