NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY  

Families are busy and getting their children to and from school, including before and after school programs.  At the YMCA, we help families with some of their transportation needs by offering bus rides to and from our programs.  Our busses and vans are like any other school bus so we follow the rules and regulations for driving busses and vans and we ask you to do the same when driving near a school bus and remind your children of the proper behavior while riding in a school bus or van.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:  nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety,

“When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, it’s not just the bus that you need to have your eyes on – but the surrounding area too. Children wait at least several feet away from a bus and often cross the street when they’re boarding or getting off the bus. This is why you must stop for school buses, and don’t attempt to pass.

Illegal School Bus Passing

Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road. In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.

Understanding School Bus Lights 

Learn the school bus laws in your state and always follow them, as well as the flashing lights that school bus drivers use to alert you. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.”