A release from state transportation officials says Kansas law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. Drivers from both directions must stay stopped until the bus moves on or the lights and stop arm are turned off.
Officials warn that failing to stop is dangerous and comes with costly penalties while putting children’s lives at risk. Many students have to cross the street after getting off the bus, and can be hard for drivers to see.
The release highlights that illegal passing of stopped school buses remains a serious problem, with an estimated 43 million violations nationwide each school year. National data from the last school year shows six students were killed in loading or unloading zones, with half involving drivers who failed to stop for a bus.
Drivers are urged to watch for yellow flashing lights as a bus prepares to stop, always stop for red flashing lights and the stop arm, and stay alert by avoiding distractions. A new Kansas law also requires drivers to be hands free in school zones.
