School Zone Signs & School Bus Safety Guide

School Signs 

School zone signs warn drivers that children may be present. Reduce your speed, stay alert, avoid distractions, and be prepared to stop unexpectedly. Children may cross the road at any time, especially before and after school. 

School Crossings 

Slow down as you approach a crosswalk. Always yield to pedestrians and crossing guards. Never pass another vehicle that has stopped at a marked crosswalk, as someone may be crossing in front of it. 

School Speed Zones 

Obey the posted school-zone speed limit whenever it is in effect or when flashing lights are activated. Speeding through a school zone greatly increases the risk of severe injury because children can be unpredictable. 

School Bus Stop Ahead 

The School Bus Stop Ahead sign alerts drivers that they are approaching a location where a school bus may stop to load or unload students. Begin slowing down immediately and watch carefully for children near the roadway. 

What To Do When a School Bus Is Stopped 

A stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm means children are entering or exiting the bus. 

• Stop immediately. Never attempt to pass the bus while the red lights are flashing.

• Remain stopped. Wait until the stop arm retracts, the red lights stop flashing, and the bus begins moving before proceeding. 

• Watch for children. Children may cross in front of or behind the bus and may be difficult to see.

• Be patient. Never honk or pressure the bus driver to move. 

• Stay alert. Check both sides of the roadway before continuing, even after the bus starts moving.

Divided vs. Undivided Roads 

On most two-way roads without a physical median, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights. 

On roads divided by a raised median or physical barrier, traffic traveling in the opposite direction generally does not have to stop. Drivers traveling behind the bus must always stop. 

Penalties and Safety 

Passing a stopped school bus illegally can result in significant fines, points on your driving record, higher insurance costs, and other legal consequences. More importantly, it puts children's lives at risk. 

Safety Reminder 

The few moments you spend waiting behind a stopped school bus can prevent a tragedy. Always expect children to behave unpredictably, eliminate distractions, and drive with extra caution in every

school zone.