Drivers Reminded To Obey School Bus Safety Rules | #schoolsaftey

Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

“Last year we recorded over 230 incidents of cars passing school buses when the red lights were flashing and the stop arm extended. ” –LAPS Transportation Director Keith Rosenbaum

The first day of school for Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) for the new school year is Aug. 9. School buses will be sharing the road with drivers commuting to work, as well as parents dropping off students at school and high school students driving themselves to school.

The LAPS Transportation Department would like to remind drivers in Los Alamos and White Rock to exercise caution when it comes to school buses, bus stops and the students who ride those buses, as well as inform the community about the law regarding school buses.

“We want to do everything we can to ensure the safety of students on or near the school bus. Once students start to walk away from the bus, it is essential that the public stop when the lights are flashing and the stop arm is out to ensure the safety of our students,” LAPS Transportation Director Keith Rosenbaum said. “Last year we recorded over 230 incidents of cars passing school buses when the red lights were flashing and the stop arm extended. We don’t want to see any student get hurt while getting on or off a school bus.”

Here is a list of the school bus safety rules:

First, drive slowly and look for children waiting at the bus stop, walking or riding their bicycles to school. 

Second, know what the flashing lights indicate. A red flashing light with the extended stop arm means traffic is required to stop, even in both directions of a two-lane road. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so proceed with caution. 

Be careful when pulling up to a bus stop because children might be running out to the bus. 

Finally, follow all school zone speed limits, look for students in crosswalks and never pass a bus on the outside of a turn. 

All students eligible to ride the school bus must complete the 2023-2024 Student Bus Card. More information regarding LAPS transportation and bus routes may be found here.

Direct questions about school bus stops or school bus safety to the Transportation Department at 505.663.2255.