Motorists reminded school buses will roll again

By Cheryl Chumley

Published: August 21, 2008

Get ready for crowded roads and school zones again because come Sept. 2, roughly 800 Prince William buses will be added to the mix of morning rush-hour traffic.

"[Buses] will roll, some as early as 6 a.m., to pick up children and take them to the county's 88 schools," a press release from the school division read. "About 56,000 of an estimated 73,000 students will be transported by bus."

Road rules regarding school buses are clear: When a school bus is stopped with red lights blinking and stop sign extended, drivers must also stop. The only exception is for vehicles traveling on the opposite side of the road that has a median strip.

Defective signals on the bus are not valid excuses to continue driving; even if no lights are blinking, drivers must stop any time children are seen boarding or exiting a school bus.

"Passing a stopped school bus is considered reckless driving and carries a fine of $250," the school system reports.

"Most fatalities and major injuries associated with pupil transportation occur when students are struck by motorists who are attempting to pass school buses while students are being loaded or discharged," the district's release adds.

Heavy school traffic times include early morning and afternoon hours. County high schools open about 7:20 a.m. and close about 2 p.m. Middle schools, meanwhile, operate between the 8:10 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.; elementary schools, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Exact times may differ slightly among schools.

"Opening and closing times vary by school to better utilize the school division's school buses and drivers," according to the press release.

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-670-1907.