Please pay attention to school bus safety

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When the sign says ‘Stop,’ that means stop. Sounds simple enough, right? But in the case of a stop sign attached to a school bus, drivers aren't always paying attention.

Bill McCoy, director of operations for Lincoln Public Schools, says that LPS school bus drivers this school year have cited increased cases of drivers who are ignoring the stop sign on school buses. Nationally, 13 million drivers ignore this simple law.

Please remember: 

* Nebraska State law requires that when a motorist approaches a school bus from either the front or rear, and the stop warning signal lights are flashing, the driver shall reduce their speed to not more than 25 miles per hour.

* If the bus stop signal arm is extended, the driver of a vehicle – coming from the front or rear – shall come to a complete stop until: the stop signal arm is retracted and the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the bus driver to proceed.

* When encountering a stopped school bus, motorists should slow down, pay attention and watch for students walking or running across the street. 

LPS has created a video to show on cable channel 21, the LPS website, social media sites and other places, stressing the importance of student safety in or near school buses.


Published: October 5, 2011, Updated: October 5, 2011