Don’t Pass That Bus with Flashing Red Lights! It’s Illegal

It's Back to School time in Amarillo, which means, let's do a refresh on what to do when you are around school buses.

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I know most of us know what to do when we're around school buses and see flashing red lights. However, there are still some people that just don't get it, and think they can zoom around a bus because they are in a hurry.

Always stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed.

If the flashing red lights are on and the stop signs are out on the side of the bus that means children are exiting the bus and you need to stop.  Children will be moving to both sides of the bus, some exit on the side the bus is stopped some will cross in front of the bus and cross the street.

If you're behind the bus being impatient and decide to pass the bus even though the red lights are flashing and the stop signs are out.  You could hit and seriously injure a child.  Plus it is illegal.

How illegal?

If you are caught passing a school bus with flashing red lights, you're looking at a fine of $500 to $1250.

Some things to remember,

If you are on the other side of a divided highway, you do not have to stop for a bus with flashing red lights, but please still use caution as children are around.

School buses stop at all railroad crossings, so be prepared to stop if you are behind a bus.
Can I pass a bus with yellow flashing lights?

No, not really, the yellow flashing lights are a warning that the bus driver is about to stop.  So what the yellow lights mean is, that you should slow down and be prepared to stop.

We have buses all over Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.  Even in the rural areas, just be mindful of buses and stop when you see the red lights.

Here's to a great school year!