Back In Session: Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers of school bus safety

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

With school districts around San Juan County resuming classes in early January, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers of school bus safety laws and best practices.  

“It is never ok to pass a school bus with the stop-arm out,” said Sheriff Eric Peter. “The Sheriff’s Office has received several calls regarding people either disregarding or not being aware of the school buses when they are stopped with the red lights flashing and the stop sign out to load and unload children.”

According to RCW 46.61.370, passing a stopped school bus is against the law and a mandatory $428 infraction.

Other best practices when encountering a school bus or traveling near schools include:

• Slow down: Drive slowly in school zones and neighborhoods, where the speed limit may be as low as 10–15 miles per hour.
• Be aware: Be aware of your surroundings, including children walking in the street and waiting at bus stops.
• Prepare to stop: If a school bus is flashing its lights, prepare to stop. Yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and red lights mean it has already stopped.
• Give yourself extra time: Leave early to allow for possible school bus stops when traveling to work.
• Eliminate distractions: Put your phone away and don’t drive and text.

“For the safety of all our kids in our community, please pay attention to the stopped school buses and make sure to stop while the buses are loading and unloading our kids,” said Sheriff Peter.

For more information, visit the National Safety Council’s website: Slow Down, Back to School Means Sharing the Road.

About San Juan County’s Sheriff’s Office

San Juan County’s Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting the lives, property, and rights of all residents and visitors, as well as to maintain order and reduce crime through education, prevention, and enforcement of the law. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 96 Second Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Sheriff’s Office, visit https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/344/Sheriff.