We want to make sure every kid that rides a bus makes it to and from school safely. School Buses will be back on the road so here is what you need to if you ever come across one.
School Buses on a 2 Lane Highway
If you approach School Buses with the flashing stop sign out must stop! This is true for 90% of the situations that the average driver encounters. It does not matter if the vehicle is passing in the other lane or approaching the bus from behind. If the stop light is out that means there are children boarding or departing so they will be walking near the front of the bus.
2-Lane Highway with a Center Turn Lane
If the two lane highway has a center turn lane every vehicle approaching must stop. There is still a risk that the child needs to get across that road, or make mistakenly walk the wrong way off the bus. So make sure you stop whether approaching from behind or passing by it in the other lane.
4-Lane Highway
When it comes to 4 lane highways, it is different. The 4-lane highway with or without a center lane applies the same rules. If approaching the bus from the rear, you have to stop. If you are heading in the opposite direction of the bus in a 4-Lane highway you are able to continue your travel. School bus drivers have rules for letting the kids of the bus on 4-Lane highways so if you’re coming up to the bus from the front you are able to continue travel.
More Information and Details
If there is more desire to learn more about these situations, visit the Iowa DOT page. The website has a visual that will help better understand what to do in these situations. They also have a lot of interesting facts and details on how school buses are advancing in safety. If you wish to learn more check out the Safety Technology Page!
