As students return to the classroom, parents and drivers need to pay extra attention to the safety of students as they board and de-board the buses.
In Illinois, it is illegal to go around a school bus that is boarding children or letting them off a bus. When a bus stops, usually a stop sign pops out and the lights are flashing, signaling the door is open. On a two-lane street, all motorist on the road are required by law to stop until the bus’ lights stop flashing and the stop sign is closed in again.
On a four or more lane street, all lanes on the bus side must stop for the buses.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s Web site, children are at greatest risk when getting on or off a school bus. Most of the children killed in bus-realted accidents are pedestrians between the ages of 5 to 7 years old.
As a driver, it is important to remember children do not behave like adults and may be in more danger if you, the driver, does not take extra precaution. They can become easily distracted and don’t always understand how dangerous moving cars and other vehicles can be. Also moving vehicles may be blocked or partially blocked from view by the bus.
Anyone convicted of passing a stopped school bus will have their license suspended for three months for the first offense and one year for the second offense, if the second conviction occurs within five years. Additionally they may face a fine of up to $500.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a school bus accident, help is available. At Dwyer & McDevitt, Ltd., we may be able to recover a settlement to help cover yours or your loved ones’ injuries. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Illinois Rising Stars 2011