Drivers must stop for school buses
Recent events involving drivers who violate State of Illinois traffic laws regarding school buses make it necessary to communicate with the community regarding school bus safety.
The laws regarding vehicles stopping for school buses can be found in the Illinois Vehicle Code (Sections 5/11).
When a school bus is traveling on a two-lane roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, the vehicles in all lanes of traffic MUST STOP.
When a school bus is traveling on a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction, only those lanes of traffic traveling in the same directions as the school bus MUST STOP.
When a school bus is traveling on a one-way roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, all lanes of traffic MUST STOP regardless of the number of lanes of traffic.
Never pass a school bus on the right.
These laws apply to all drivers, including those on school property, who meet or overtake a school bus that is operating all of the appropriate warning signals indicating that pupils are exiting or boarding the school bus and may be crossing the roadway.
The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is the BUS STOP. Children are at the greatest risk as they get on and off the school bus. In neighborhoods, near schools and at the bus stops, drivers need to take care because children do not behave like adults. Children expect vehicles to stop for them at the school bus stop.
Violating the law can lead to citation, fine and loss of license. You must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
Palatine CCSD 15 is fortunate to have dedicated school bus drivers who take seriously their responsibility for safely transporting students to and from school - but they can't do it alone. We urge all community members to obey the traffic rules in regards to school bus safety. WE OWE IT TO OUR CHILDREN.
Rebecca J. Allard, assistant superintendent for business & auxiliary services for Dist. 15