Drivers in Stanislaus County are being reminded to stop when school bus red lights are flashing, as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct an enforcement operation on Tuesday. The law requires motorists traveling in either direction to stop until children have crossed safely and the bus lights are no longer flashing.
The CHP announced that officers will ride on school buses in the Oakdale area to observe drivers who fail to comply with this rule. Officers on board will communicate with patrol cars nearby to identify violators. Drivers who do not stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights may receive a traffic citation or warning.
“This project is designed to educate and remind motorists, parents and students of the importance of school bus pedestrian safety,” the CHP said in its news release.
Penalties for failing to stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children include fines ranging from $150 to $250 for a first offense. Repeat violations can result in fines up to $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges.
An incident last October highlighted the dangers of driver inattention. A Honda sedan stopped behind a school bus with its red lights flashing on Crows Landing Road west of Turlock was struck by a big rig that did not notice the stopped vehicles in time. The truck hit both the Honda and then the rear of the bus, which was carrying elementary-age children. Students suffered minor injuries, while both drivers were taken to a local hospital.
The CHP continues efforts to educate the public about road rules and pedestrian safety related to school buses.
