When Do You Have to Stop for a School Bus in California?
As summer break ends and the school year starts again, it’s crucial for all motorists to familiarize themselves with school bus laws and help keep our communities safe. Not abiding by these laws can endanger children’s safety and result in serious accidents. Motorists should always exercise extreme caution when driving near school zones and bus stops and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists.
If someone’s negligence causes a school bus accident, that individual can be held liable for the injuries and damages they caused. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation. Read on to learn more about California school bus laws and safety tips.
California School Bus Stop Laws: What You Need to Know
Under California Vehicle Code § 22454 (a), drivers must come to a complete stop when a school bus flashes its red lights and has its stop sign arm extended.
California law states that drivers must not pass a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and extended stop arm. These signals indicate that children are either boarding or getting off the bus and may be crossing the street.
Approaching a Stopped School Bus
- On a two-lane road, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and a stop sign.
- Vehicles must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals it is safe to proceed.
- Drivers on a two-lane road must stop if there is not a raised divider or median.
- These rules apply on both public and private roads.
Drivers can pass a stopped school bus under these conditions:
- The stop sign is no longer extended, the lights have stopped flashing, and the bus begins moving.
- The school bus driver indicates that the motorists may pass.
- Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a four-lane highway can proceed with extreme caution when a school bus is stopped.
- Motorists driving on the opposite side of a two-lane road with a median or raised divider can pass a school bus cautiously.
What Is a School Bus Danger Zone?
According to the California DMV, school bus danger zones are areas around the bus where children are most at risk of being hit by another vehicle or their own bus. Danger zones include the space directly in front of the bus, behind the bus, and on the left and right sides. These zones are the most dangerous within the first 12 feet but can extend up to 30 feet.
Children are particularly vulnerable in these zones as they may be crossing the road or walking alongside the bus, often in drivers’ blind spots.
To minimize risks, drivers should maintain a safe distance, be vigilant for children unexpectedly darting into the street, and follow California school bus stop laws. It’s best to come to a complete stop at least 20 feet from the bus to provide a safe zone for children.
Can You Pass a School Bus in a Passing Zone?
Drivers cannot pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights in California, even in a designated passing zone. Motorists must wait until the bus has turned off its lights and retracted its stop sign arm before proceeding.
It’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus, even in a passing zone. This puts children at significant risk, as they may be crossing the road or walking in areas not immediately visible to drivers. Vehicles must stop even when a bus is on the opposite side of a multi-lane road without a physical divider.
Fines and Penalties for Passing a School Bus
- Fines: A first-time offense carries fines as high as $1,000.
- Points on license: Violators will receive points on their DMV driving record, which will be reported to that individual’s insurance carrier.
- License suspension: Multiple violations may lead to a suspension of the driver’s license.
- Insurance rate increases: Points on a driving record often result in increased insurance premiums.
School Bus Accident Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2022, accidents involving school buses took the lives of 104 people in the United States. From 2013 to 2022, in school bus-related crashes, the fatalities involved:
- Occupants of other vehicles (71%)
- Pedestrians (16%)
- School bus passengers (5%)
- School bus drivers (4%)
- Pedacyclists (3%)
Filing a School Bus Accident Claim in California
Victims of school bus accidents, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or occupants of other vehicles, may seek compensation in a personal injury claim for their injuries. To pursue a claim, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in school bus-related cases. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you or a loved one recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Car accident attorneys can help injured victims navigate the claims process and determine liability. Liable parties may involve the bus driver, school district, or another third party. There are strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims in California, so it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Most California personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case and inform you of your legal options.
School Bus Safety Tips
- Keep a safe distance: Children should stand at least three giant steps (about 10 feet) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
- Wait for the signal: Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop. Only approach the bus once it has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver signals that it’s safe.
- Cross safely: When crossing the street, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus to ensure the driver can see you. Never cross behind the bus.
- Be alert: Look both ways before crossing the street and be aware of traffic, even when drivers are required to stop.
- Avoid distractions: Children should avoid using phones, headphones, or other distractions near the bus or crossing the street.
We Represent Personal Injury Victims
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a school bus accident, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to representing victims who are hurt by the negligence of others. Our personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll bus accidents can take on victims and their families.
Our California personal injury law firm maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation.
