Can You Pass a Stopped North Dakota School Bus if Its Stop Sign Isn’t Out?

You know what happens every school day? Kids all over the state of North Dakota hop on school buses. Here's a cool fact for you: those big yellow buses are actually some of the safest vehicles on the road. Seriously, less than 1% of all traffic accidents involving children happen on school buses.

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But, there's a twist in this story – kids face more risk when they're getting on or off the bus. That's why it's super important for everyone, drivers, parents, and students, to be in the know about school bus safety.

Parents, you've got a crucial role here too. It's important to have a heart-to-heart with your kids about being safe at the bus stop. Check out these tips from ND Health and Human Services and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration :

Before the Bus Arrives:

Get your child to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus rolls in. Oh, and before the school year starts, make a trip to the bus stop and show your kid where they should wait. It's about ten feet away from the curb, which is like five giant steps. And remember, the bus stop isn't a playground, so no running or playing.

Getting On and Off Safely:

Teach your kiddo to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door swings open, and the driver gives the green light to hop on or off. Tell them to hang on to those handrails to stay safe.

Always Use Caution Around the Bus:

Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If they need to cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to use the sidewalk or walk along the side of the road until they're at least ten feet, or about five giant steps, ahead of the bus. Plus, they should make eye contact with the bus driver before they cross to make sure they're seen and avoid any danger.

If your kid drops something near the school bus, like a phone or a book, the best thing to do is let the bus driver know right away. They shouldn't try to grab it themselves because the driver might not see them.

Now, drivers, this part is for you too. Keep your eyes on the road, and when you spot those yellow school bus lights, it's a heads-up that the bus is about to stop. If you're driving, slow down, stay alert, and watch out for the kids. And when you see the stop sign arm out, make sure to come to a complete stop.

Remember, when a school bus slows down or stops, it's not just about the bus itself, but also the whole area around it. Kids usually stand a good distance away from the bus and might need to cross the street as they get on or off. So, coming to a stop for school buses is a must, and there's no passing allowed. In all states, it is against the law to pass a school bus when its stop-arm is extended and its red lights are flashing.

School Bus Safety Week is a great time to remember why safety on the bus is so important. We want students to know how to stay safe and make sure the ride to school is a smooth one.