 Hanover Public Schools began their 2011-12 school year today (Tuesday). Remember to observe all laws regarding school buses and keep our children safe.
Hanover County patrol deputies will be observing several school bus stops and in some cases will follow school buses during their morning or afternoon routes. While the Sheriff's Office responds to and investigates all reports of motorists driving unsafely at near bus stops, these deputies will be directly observing any infractions. The goal is not to "catch" someone passing a school bus, but to ensure all motorists, parents and children are aware of the laws and children are safely transported to and from school.
Drivers must stop for a school bus when they are headed towards it, even when approaching from a cross-street. The only exception to this rule is when the driver and the school bus are divided by a physical barrier or an unpaved area. These laws also apply on private roads.
Red flashing lightsand extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is about to stop; drivers should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Studies show that most school bus fatalities occur when students are loading or unloading from the bus.
Some tips for drivers:
- When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children going to the bus stop
- Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops
- Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is prepared to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. School zone speed limits are lower when the yellow lights are flashing.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving before you can start driving again.
Hanover Public School bus routes for the new school year can be read here. |
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