Time to share the road with those big yellow buses
As the school year swings back into session, drivers across the region are once again sharing the road with the familiar bright yellow school buses. A recent opinion piece, authored by Nancy McLaughlin, a Faith and Values Reporter, urges motorists to embrace this seasonal shift with heightened awareness and patience. The article, titled "Time to share the road with those big yellow buses," serves as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility that comes with the return of school traffic.
The piece emphasizes that the presence of school buses on morning and afternoon commutes is not merely an inconvenience but a call for vigilance. Children, especially those in elementary grades, may be unpredictable near bus stops, darting into the street or crossing without looking. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and be prepared for sudden stops as buses pull over to pick up or drop off students.
A key point in the article is the legal obligation to stop for school buses when their flashing red lights are activated and the stop arm is extended. This is not just a courtesy but a law designed to protect children as they board or exit the bus. The piece stresses that even on roads with multiple lanes, drivers must come to a complete stop and wait until the bus resumes motion and the lights are turned off.
McLaughlin also touches on the human element behind the wheel, encouraging drivers to imagine their own children or grandchildren as the ones stepping off the bus. This perspective, she argues, can foster a more considerate driving culture. Patience, the article suggests, is a small price to pay for the safety of the community's youngest members.
Beyond the legalities, the article offers practical advice: leave a few minutes earlier during school days, anticipate longer travel times, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. It also reminds drivers that school buses are equipped with cameras and that violations can result in hefty fines, adding a financial incentive to obey the rules.
The piece concludes on a positive note, framing the return of school buses as a sign of community vitality. Rather than viewing them as obstacles, drivers are urged to welcome the sight as a marker of learning and growth. Sharing the road, the article asserts, is a shared duty—one that, when performed with care, keeps everyone safe.