For the majority of the year, motorists share the road with those big yellow buses. And, while they may slow down traffic, and seem like a nuisance, it's important to remember that they're carrying precious cargo. There are many safety tips car rental customers should follow when encountering a school bus on the road. Most countries, states, and provinces have very strict laws surrounding school buses.
Leave Some Room
School buses make frequent stops. It is law in most areas for school buses to stop at all railway crossings. For this reason, leave a substantial gap between your vehicle and the bus ahead of you. Even more unexpected can be the frequent stops a school bus makes to drop off and pick up children. School buses can stop at any point along a road. When a school bus stops and puts on its flashing red lights, it is mandatory that you stop, leave sufficient space, wait for the lights to disengage and watch for the bus to resume driving. Never pass a school bus while it is stopped to load or unload.
Respect the Lights and Signs
When a school bus has its stop sign outstretched, crossing arm activated, or lights flashing, you need to stop and respect the rules of the road. Even if you are headed in the opposite direction on a multi-lane highway, it is required by law that you stop and wait for pedestrians to unload or cross. The only exception, in most areas, is on highways divided by a standing median — traffic coming in the other direction is not required to stop. When you see the lights and signs, passing is illegal and often comes with heavy fines.
Understanding Bus Behaviour
The size of a school bus restricts its manoeuvrability. School buses take longer to stop, especially in adverse weather. They tend to travel at lower rates of speed, make constant stops, and make wider turns. When approaching a school bus from either direction, use extra caution. If a school bus turns in front of you, it will take longer for the bus to leave your lane. Bus drivers have large blind spots and rely heavily on the use of their mirrors. If you cannot see the bus driver in one of the bus' mirrors, odds are, they can't see you either. Slow down, use extra caution, and do your part to protect the passengers on board the school bus, and in your own vehicle.
School buses carry children to and from school, sporting games, and other destinations each day. School bus drivers are highly trained in defensive driving — do your part by respecting the rules and staying alert around buses.
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