Every driver in California knows the sight of the yellow school bus — flashing lights, kids with backpacks, and a bright red stop arm that swings out when it halts. Yet far too many drivers still roll through those stops or try to sneak past, forgetting that those lights mean children are crossing. At Finish Today Traffic School, we want every driver to remember: when you see a school bus stop, that’s your signal to stop too.
California law is clear — when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, all drivers in both directions must stop unless there’s a divided roadway. Those few seconds of waiting can make the difference between a safe trip and a tragedy. Children are quick, unpredictable, and often excited to get to or from school. They don’t always look both ways or wait for traffic to stop completely, so your patience and awareness are critical.
Too often, crashes around buses happen because of distractions. A quick glance at a phone or trying to pass before the stop sign extends can have devastating consequences. Ignoring the law not only endangers lives but also carries steep penalties — hundreds of dollars in fines, possible license points, and even suspension in serious cases.
Drivers should also be alert to changing conditions. Early mornings can bring glare or fog that hides flashing lights. Afternoon traffic can make it harder to react quickly. The best habit is to always slow down near school zones, bus stops, or anytime you see children on sidewalks.
School bus safety isn’t just for students or bus drivers — it’s for every motorist on the road. When you see that bus, slow down, stay alert, and stop when required. Your choices behind the wheel protect the children who trust us all to get them home safely.
Referred to this by a friend - thanks for the funny, random comments inserted in between the text. and for the colloquial tone. easy to follow along as opposed to dry stats and figures.
- Julie S
