School buses will be on the rural roads later this week as Skyline School gets started on Sept. 1, and also on city streets with the starting of Pratt schools on Sept. 7. Student safety is the most important consideration for bus drivers, and it should be for other drivers with whom they share the road.
Drivers don’t always remember that they must stop for a stopped bus, whether following or meeting it.
“We get a lot of them who run the stop arms,” said Clint Jones, transportation director for USD 382. “Police officers will be out and fines are expensive ($300 plus $60 court costs).”
Rural buses will begin their routes as early as 6:30 a.m. The busiest time for in-town pick-up will be from about 7:30 to 8 a.m. and after school is dismissed; however buses may be picking up and dropping off children throughout the school day.
“I’d hate for anyone to get hurt,” Jones said. “That worries me.”
Overtaking a school bus
When approaching a bus from the rear, stop when the red signal lights are flashing and remain stopped until the stop sign is retracted, lights are discontinued and the bus resumes motion, or until the driver signals that the driver may proceed.
Meeting a school bus
When meeting a bus, slow down when amber lights are flashing and stop when red lights flash and the stop sign is extended. Do not move until lights are discontinued and stop arm is retracted.
School speed zones
The familiar yellow signs with stylized figures of children are indications that a school is in the neighborhood and a driver should slow down and be watchful.
In addition, flashing school zone lights are located at U.S. 54 and Washington Street and to the east and the west of Skyline School. The speed limit is posted, along with the times for which reduced speed is required.
