Tyler ISD shares this important reminder to ensure the safety of children while loading and unloading school buses. “The safety of our students is not only a priority for the employees of Tyler ISD but should also be a priority for those in the community as well,” Director of Transportation John Bagert said. “Failure to follow the laws could have everlasting implications. Don’t let a few seconds of neglect lead to a lifetime of regret.”
School bus drivers will activate alternating yellow flashing lights between 100 and 500 feet before a stop. Distance will depend on speed and whether they are in a residential area or on a highway. Once they reach the stop, the driver will activate alternating red flashing lights and deploy stop signs from the side of the bus with flashing red lights on the signs.
Traffic approaching from both directions MUST STOP unless there is a physical barrier in the median between the flows of traffic, as shown in the diagram below.
If commuting drivers are not required to stop, they should, at a minimum, slow down and use caution as they approach and pass the bus. “If you are uncertain as to whether or not you should stop, err on the side of caution for the safety of the children,” Bagert said.
Once the students are loaded and seated, the driver will deactivate the red lights and retract the stop signs. Only then may drivers proceed past the bus in either direction.