As School Bus Driver Appreciation Day approaches, we take a moment to express our gratitude to the dedicated men and women who take care of very precious cargo during the school year!
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Rain or shine, early mornings or late afternoons, these individuals are committed to their duty of ensuring children reach their destinations safely.
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School bus drivers undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the roads safely.
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Motorists should always be alert and drive with caution around school buses and in school zones where children may be present.
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The penalty for failure to stop for a school bus in Florida is $200 and if a second offense is committed in 5 years, the person’s license will be suspended for up to 1 year. The penalty for passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal is $400 and if a second offense is committed in 5 years, the person’s license can be suspended up to 2 years.
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School Bus Safety Tips for Motorists
- Be alert and watch for children especially near schools, bus stops, school buses, and in school parking lots.
- Children on bicycles can be unpredictable and can make sudden changes in direction. Be especially careful when children are present in school zones and residential areas.
- Pay extra attention to lower speed limits in school zones.
- Watch for and obey signals from school crossing guards.
- Only drive or park in authorized areas to drop off or pick up children at school.
- Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended.
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- All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (see diagram, TWO-LANE)
- On a highway divided by a paved median, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. (see diagram, MULTI-LANE)
- The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic. (see diagram, DIVIDED HIGHWAY)
- On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus. (see diagram, DIVIDED HIGHWAY)
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We extend our deepest thanks to all school bus drivers for their unwavering dedication and service to our communities.
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The attorneys of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC are here support and advocate for the rights of those injured in accidents, including school bus-related incidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a school bus accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.