By Tim Lyons, Transportation Director
School is back open so please keep your eyes open for the students walking to school and getting on and off the buses. Please take the time to review the bus rules with your students so we can have a safe and enjoyable school year. You can find all the rules and information on the Benton website under the transportation tab.
BUS STOPS
We have several bus stops around the district. Posted at the end of each street, you’ll be able to find the specific times for street closures to allow for loading/unloading of our students. Please obey these times or it could cost you a ticket. You can find a list of these stops on the webpage.
ILLEGAL PASSING OF BUSES
You are traveling on a two- or three-lane road
Approaching the bus from the rear:
When you see flashing red or amber lights, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop.
When the school bus stops and the stop arm is extended, stop behind the school bus.
Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus starts moving again. Then proceed with caution.
Meeting the bus from the front:
When you see amber warning lights flashing you must slow your vehicle to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop.
When the school bus stops and its stop arm is extended, stop in front of the school bus . Remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted. Then proceed with caution.
YOU ARE TRAVELING ON A ROAD WIHT TWO OR MORE LANES IN EACH DIRECTION
Approaching the bus from the rear: The rules are the same as for the two-or three-lane road.
When you see flashing red or amber warning lights, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop.
When the school bus stops and its stop arm is extended, stop behind the school bus .
Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and school bus starts moving again. Then proceed with caution.
Meeting the bus from the front:
When meeting the bus in one of the opposite two lanes (or more), you do not need to stop, even if the bus has stopped with lights flashing and stop arm out.
The bus is not permitted to load or unload children who must cross this type of roadway, unless there are official traffic control devices or law enforcement present.
This is the only time you may pass a school bus that is stopped and has its stop arm extended.
Failure to stop could cost you $345 dollars and suspension of you license for 30 days.