Full Notification

The Stallion Springs Police Department would like to emphasize the importance of school bus safety. While riding the bus is the safest way for children to get to and from school, an alarming number of drivers illegally pass school buses that have their red lights and stop sign arm activated. According to a 2016 survey by the California Department of Education, more than 26,000 drivers failed to stop for a school bus that had students getting on or off.

California law requires drivers to stop from either direction when a school bus flashes red lights. Drivers must remain stopped as long as the red lights are on. Drivers who fail to stop face up to a $1,000 fine and could have their license suspended for one year. If a bus is on the other side of a divided street or street with two or more lanes in each direction, drivers do not need to stop but should slow down and look for children.

School Bus Safety Tips For Drivers:

• Be distraction-free. Never use electronic devices while driving and be sure to actively focus on the road and your surroundings
• Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is going to stop – so slow down!
• Stop at least 20 feet away for buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway
• Slowdown in or near school and residential areas
• Look for clues - such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate children might be in the area
• Watch for children between parked cars and other objects

• When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
• When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop
• When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

• Always stay in sight of the bus driver
• Don't hurry off the bus; check traffic first
• Don't go back to the bus after exiting
• Always use crosswalks when available
• Look both ways before crossing
• Keep your head up and the phone down