Many factors contribute to how school buses operate. In particular, stop signs warn drivers that a bus is present. Did you know that school buses are equipped with stop signs?
Many people seem surprised to learn this. But it makes sense when you think about the purpose of a school bus and the speed at which it travels. A stopped bus is much easier to see than one barreling down on you.
While they might seem like a nuisance to drivers, stop signs are designed to increase safety and prevent collisions. Here are some reasons:
Table of Contents
1. Buses are Filled with Children and Staff
School buses carry children and staff who cater to their needs. These children, often numbering in the dozens, rely on a school bus driver to get them safely from one place to another daily.
It means a driver must be able to pull over at any time without obstructing traffic or putting any lives in danger.
2. Buses must Stop
School buses must stop whenever they approach any intersection with crosswalk markings and traffic signals, among other things. It means a bus driver must be able to pull over at any time to allow children exiting the vehicle to cross the street safely. This exact situation contributed to the creation of stop signs in the first place.
3. Buses Can’t Blend in
School buses can’t blend in with other vehicles to avoid being noticed during the day. It is a problem when it comes to stopping signs where children are crossing the road between buildings.
A bus on the road during that time signals to drivers that something is happening, and the absence of any other moving traffic in those locations means that drivers will notice any bus that enters those areas.
4. Avoid Accidents Near Schools
The results can be devastating if a child is injured in a vehicle accident when distracted drivers cause collisions involving school buses and children. The consequences can be devastating for the driver and their family.
A bus accident lawsuit is one way to fight for money from anyone responsible for the injuries, including school bus drivers involved in vehicle collisions.
Conclusion
A stop sign is a legal requirement when no traffic signals are present. It means that a bus driver must be able to come to an immediate stop if necessary. It means that if you see a school bus with a stop sign, you should immediately slow down and prepare for the possibility of students crossing the road.
To avoid hitting these children, you should stop and wait behind the bus or move over to the other side of the road if there is no alternate lane.
