School Bus Safety Reminders

As the second semester progresses and we look forward to the coming Spring weather, drivers should remain vigilant as students and school buses are on the roadways in sometimes deteriorating conditions. That means: Put the cell phone away, set your cup of coffee down, don't look in your rear-view mirror to fix your hair. Concentrate on who and what is around you. Our ultimate goal is to make sure everyone safely arrives at their destination. Motorists should avoid distractions and obey school bus and school zone traffic laws so we have the safest possible environment for students boarding and exiting buses.

"Kadyn's Law," in memory of Kadyn Halverson, went into effect in Iowa with the governor's signature March 16, 2012. The 7-year-old first grader from Kensett was killed by a driver who had illegally passed a stopped school bus.  This provision increases the penalties for drivers who fail to abide by the law (Iowa Code 321.372) on stopped school buses. Previously, a motorist who passed a bus when the red warning lights were flashing was fined $200. The new Iowa law increased the penalty to at least $250 and as high as $675 for a first offense and up to 30 days in jail. For subsequent violations, a driver could face fines of up to $1,875. A driver who violates the law and causes an injury could face added fines, jail time and license suspension. 

In addition to the situations described below, drivers should never pass on the right. Violations of Iowa's motor vehicle laws should be reported to local law enforcement. 

Scenario 1 – You are traveling on a two-lane or three-lane

• Nearing the bus from the rear; drivers must always stop when either the amber lights or red lights are flashing. Stop no closer than 15 feet from the bus. 

• Meeting the bus from the front; drivers must slow their vehicles to 20 mph when amber lights are flashing. Stop when the lights change to red and the stop arm comes out. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.

Scenario 2 – You are traveling on a road with two or more lanes in each direction

• Stop if nearing the bus from the rear when amber or red lights are flashing. Stop no closer than 15 feet from the bus.

• When meeting the bus in one of the opposite two lanes (or more), you do not need to stop even if the bus has stopped with lights flashing and stop arm out. The bus is not permitted to load or unload children who must cross this type of roadway unless there are official traffic control devices or police officers present.

Below are a few safety reminders for school bus riders (parents, please remind your students to follow these rules.)

1. Be alert to traffic. Check both ways for cars before stepping off the bus.

2. Make eye contact with the bus driver. Wait for the bus driver’s signal before you cross the street.

3. Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus to cross the street.

4. While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.

5. Never go under the bus to retrieve something you’ve dropped.

6. Never walk in between buses.

7. Be aware of backpacks or loose clothing that could get snagged on bus doors or hardware.