WWYD?--passing a school bus

[merryweather20]

I can't see how people think 5 minutes is an inconvenience (never mind that it entitles them to break the law). I think her neighbours aren't too bright for leaving at a time when they know they'll get stuck by the school bus thats there every single morning.

If the sign is out, Then yes I would be turning people in. That is so dangerous.

I don't know where you or the OP live but here its illegal whether the sign is out or not. It was also illegal before they started even putting stop signs on busses.

 

[MrsPete]

Yes, five minutes IS a long time to sit and wait while one child is being loaded on to the school bus; however, any reasonable person -- after finding himself waiting once or twice -- would realize that the bus shows up at the same time every day, and he'd better find a way to avoid it! It's not too hard to leave a few minutes early, or to take another road to avoid that particular spot. If I KNEW the bus was going to delay me, and I failed to take appropriate measures to avoid the inconvenience, I'd blame myself for lack of planning.

The bottom line is that this is illegal, and it is the driver's responsibility to get the tags and turn them in. It sounds like your driver is pefectly willing to do this, and that means you're not in any difficulty with your neighbors.

I would not put out flyers. It won't be a secret who posted them, and that just brings more attention to you and can only cause trouble for you in the long run.

Having driven a bus years ago, I can tell you with certainty that the stop sign pops out automatically once the door is opened. IF the drivers are zipping by while the bus is slowing and the door is still closed, they are not breaking the law -- but if the bus is at a complete stop, the door is open, and the sign is out, then they've blatantly chosen to break the law. If the bus is stopped and the sign is NOT out, it means that the driver hasn't yet opened the door. I would not stop to consider their feelings or their insurance rates.

 

[happygirl]

I can't see how people think 5 minutes is an inconvenience (never mind that it entitles them to break the law). I think her neighbours aren't too bright for leaving at a time when they know they'll get stuck by the school bus thats there every single morning.



I don't know where you or the OP live but here its illegal whether the sign is out or not. It was also illegal before they started even putting stop signs on busses.

No it not

 

[maslex]

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER HERE..........

To the original poster, I don't know if you have a talking relationship with your child's bus driver but I know you mentioned about your state (or town, I'm not sure which) not letting the bus back out of your driveway. Where I am, I know some of our "small" busses will back INTO the driveway and load your child on the bus that way. Maybe you can ask her if she's able to do that?

And no matter where the bus is (on a busy street, back road, parking lot, etc) the red's NEED to be on as a safety precaution. I have seen fellow bus drivers get ticketed by DMV for not having their red's on while they were loading kids on the bus in a parking lot. For those of you that have seen a bus with no red's on, that definately IS the bus drivers fault. And someone mentioned about the red's coming on as soon as the door is opened. That is true ONLY if a certain switch is activated beforehand (this switch is normally activated and is kept on while driving, so when the door is opened, the red's come on automatically) but if the driver forgot to turn this switch on, that's the reason you wouldn't see the red's on.

If we, as bus drivers, get a plate # on cars that pass us with our red's on, then we fill out a paper that our office ships over to the DMV. They will then only get a warning. I think after a couple of these warnings, they are hit with a $400 fine. Personally, I think they should be hit with the fine right from the beginning. Never mind giving them a warning.

Someone else also mentioned that their hubby got a ticket. I totally understand why he got though. I believe they said that he saw the yellows come on and he slowed down and right when he got to the bus, the driver put the red's on. Fact is, once you see the yellows, it means that the bus is coming to a stop within the next 50-100 ft. It doesn't mean to slow down and hopefully making it past the bus before the red's come on, it means start slowing down because you are going to have to stop. I can't even tell you the amount of people who will see a bus coming towards them with their yellows on and they start to speed up, or they will look away or look down at their radio (as if the bus driver can't see you, come on!!!) and this is my favorite, the oncoming car will actually wave to you as if saying thanks for letting me through. HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, moron!!!!! ***not saying that her hubby was doing any of these but I've seen it WAY too many times***

I have seen it all in my past 8yrs of driving and I'm sure I'll see more of it for years to come. Most people believe that the rules don't apply to them, but let me tell you this.......These are the same damn people that will be up in arms and straight down to the police station if it were THEIR kid who was waiting for this bus and someone just blew through the stop sign on the bus, guaranteed.

Sorry for going on and on, but just wanted to get a different perspective on things from a bus drivers point of view. But please, if you see a bus coming your way with their yellows on, please STOP, don't try to outrun it just because you don't want to get "stuck" by the bus (truly it only takes 30 secs to load a couple of students at a time) it won't make you late. And you never know if a child is running near the bus to try to catch it. I've seen it all and some of it isn't pretty.

Back to the OP, don't bother with the flyer and don't bother putting a postcard in this persons mailbox. It won't do a damn thing but pi$$ them off, I'm sure. If you see this happen again, I would walk down the neighbors and explain what's going on and see if maybe giving him your child's schedule will do any good for them. But as for now, ask the bus driver if they can back INTO your driveway. That will solve quite a bit.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[Lisa_M]

Yes, five minutes IS a long time to sit and wait while one child is being loaded on to the school bus; however, any reasonable person -- after finding himself waiting once or twice -- would realize that the bus shows up at the same time every day, and he'd better find a way to avoid it! It's not too hard to leave a few minutes early, or to take another road to avoid that particular spot. If I KNEW the bus was going to delay me, and I failed to take appropriate measures to avoid the inconvenience, I'd blame myself for lack of planning.

The bottom line is that this is illegal, and it is the driver's responsibility to get the tags and turn them in. It sounds like your driver is pefectly willing to do this, and that means you're not in any difficulty with your neighbors.

I would not put out flyers. It won't be a secret who posted them, and that just brings more attention to you and can only cause trouble for you in the long run.

Having driven a bus years ago, I can tell you with certainty that the stop sign pops out automatically once the door is opened. IF the drivers are zipping by while the bus is slowing and the door is still closed, they are not breaking the law -- but if the bus is at a complete stop, the door is open, and the sign is out, then they've blatantly chosen to break the law. If the bus is stopped and the sign is NOT out, it means that the driver hasn't yet opened the door. I would not stop to consider their feelings or their insurance rates.

ITA! I also think the OP should not send out postcards or flyers or anything of the sort. It would be a little weird to get your neighbor's son's bus schedule without knowing why and if they knew why, they probably would be offended. Let your neighbors figure out how to adjust their own schedule and if they can't, it's their own fault.

 

[Allison]

Sorry-In YOUR situation-where the door is at the end of YOUR driveway for only your son, I feel the bus driver should give these neighbors "a pass".

In any OTHER situation-of course drivers should stop for a loading school bus.

Drivers should always stop for a loading school bus when the sign is out. It's the law.

There is no pass. Anyone who does this under any circumstances deserves all the fines and tickets they get.

 

[happygirl]

oops

 

[agnes!]

If you see them do it again, have your cell-phone/camera ready, take a digital picture and turn the law-breakers in.

I would not put out flyers and would not make up postcards.

Also, I've seen buses with their yellow flashers on for ages and the buses do NOT stop - the drivers just seem to leave the lights on.

agnes!

 

[2Kds2K9]

No matter what type of bus, a stopped bus with his red flashing lights and stop sign out, means that drivers are to STOP!

I just went through this last month. I looked out in time to see that the bus was stopped with it's red lights flashing and a Suburban passing the bus. When the suburban cleared the bus, I saw my two CHILDREN in front of the bus. Now, mind you, they are 13 and 15, BUT, this dim-wit of a neighbor illegally passed this bus as it was unloading my kids.

The Bus driver got the plate and called it in. I sent a note to the BD telling him what I saw. I was contacted by the police and asked to appear in court as a witness.

The PO told me that the driver would be charged with reckless. At court, the BD and the car driver both were in front of the judge. The Car driver proceeded to state that the vehicle was not his, but his wifes and that his BIL was driving. Showed a picture of BIL in court and stated that they looked a like. Our BD saw the driver and stated that the man standing before him was the driver. When I was asked who I was, I looked straight at the man and said, "I'm a witness to you passing the bus and those were my children you almost hit." He went pale. Unfortunately, the driver is a lawyer and knew all he had to do was prove reasonable doubt. The Jerk Judge felt he proved reasonable doubt and dismissed the case. Had I known this before hand, I would have brought my DD to court as she saw the driver up close and has since pointed him out. ARGH.

After court the driver came over to aplogize for his BIL's mistake. (yeah, right) I looked him straight in the eye and said, "You were lucky this time. Had you gone past an hour later, it would have been the little kids getting off the bus and they RUN off the bus! You would have killed a child!" I then turned and walked away.

Yes, this person is a neighbor, but I don't care. He broke the law and got away with it. Laws like these are to protect OUR CHILDREN. So, if you have to wait a few minutes for a bus to load or unload, so be it. Would you rather attend a child's funeral?

Off my soap box!

 

[Allison]

No it not the law. You only have to stop when they sign out. That why they have a sign

Huh? That is what I said-the law says they have to stop when the sign is out.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

I may be wrong, but I always thought that as long as kids did not have to cross the street to get on or off the bus, the flashing lights did not go on or the stop sign come out. I know if the lights are flashing in the rear, you have to stop.

Nope kids loading/unloading means lights on stop sign out you MUST stop! It doesn't matter if they cross the street or not. I got stuck on the opposite side of the road from the "short" bus the other day while it was loading a wheel chair Lights on stop sign on driver was loading the child. It took around 10 minutes. Was I late yup did I get angry nope. I'd rather wait then have the driver rush and the child get injured because they didn't load right.

 

[happygirl]

Huh? That is what I said-the law says they have to stop when the sign is out.

I'm so sorry Iread that wrong

 

[Allison]

I'm so sorry Iread that wrong

Thanks for clearing that up. I kept reading it over to see if I had made a mistake in my typing. That's happened before, believe me.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I think everyone's suggestion of taking another route won't work in this situation. I believe OP mentioned she lives on a cul-de-sac? People will need to adjust their schedule, but I also assume the bus doesn't come at exactly the same time every morning, so it can get a little tricky.

For those of us that live in the City, it does become quite frustrating because you get get stuck behind 3-4 buses each morning, not counting the garbage trucks which block off an entire street while they make their pick ups. That alone could be 10 minutes.

Regardless, I think if OP feels so inclined, she should let the police know. I believe there was another poster a few months ago who was having the same issue. She told the police of the problem and, I believe, they sent a squad car out there a few mornings to get the point across.

OP, would it be possible to have your son already outside waiting for the bus, if you don't already? That might help move things along a little quicker and the neighbors might appreciate the extra minute or two that they won't be delayed.

 

[Planogirl]

To the OP, I would NOT put out flyers. You can see that some people think it's OK to pass a bus in this situation and I doubt that a flyer would make a difference.

At least now if they get a ticket they can't blame you. They might be more likely to if you put out flyers or signs.

 

[KirstenB]

I posted on this topic about a month ago...I love my dd's bus drivers. She's a preschooler who rides the short bus. There's the driver, and an aide. My next door neighbor passed the bus when it was stopped one day. The aide asked the driver if the sign was out, it was. She flew off that bus and reamed him out.

I was really appreciative, but at the same time I was really embarrassed for him. Then I thought, forget about it. It's her job to keep the kids safe. I hope she'll have the same drivers for years to come.

Minkydog, you sound really kind-hearted. But your neighbors are being potentially dangerous, and are definitely breaking the law. Let the chips fall where they will if they get caught.

 

[allison443]

Ok, I know it's the end of the school year and all. But in the past 2 weeks FOUR people on my street have passed my DSs special needs school bus while it was stopped to pick him up. The first time, the driver didn't catch the tag and I didn't know the car. But the next times she did get the tag number and turned it in.

Besides the fact that I am irked that my neighbors would show this kind of disrespect, passing a school bus that is in process of loading students is a crime which carries a stiff fine. I really don't want my neighbors to be charged with a moving violation. This bus carries about 6 kids who have varying degrees of mental disabilities. The bus driver is just about livid over this. My neighbors are breaking the law!

Personally, I don't understand why my neighbors can't wait patiently while my son loads his bus--it takes about 5 minutes due to his slow, off-balance walk. But it's only 5 minutes! It's probably too late in the school year to do anything about it. School ends next Friday. But I'm thinking when school starts in August that I may make up flyers to distribute to all the neighbors with DSs picture on it , pick-up and drop-off times, and a plea to drive carefully so they don't get a ticket.

Would you take offense if you got a flyer like this? I don't want to cause trouble in the neighborhood. We don't know most of the people and I'm sure most of them don't know our son, either. I just want to make the neighbors more aware of this special needs bus AND give them the schedule so maybe if they're in such a hurry they can arrange to leave the neighborhood 5 minutes BEFORE the bus comes.

If they get a ticket, it is their fault, not yours. It's the chance they chose to take.

 

[Inigo]

I would call the school transportation director and let them know that this is a huge problem and see what they say. And also I would probably contact the police and ask if they can patrol your street at that time a few days a week. After a few tickets they others will catch on.


Your neighbors are rude and reckless enough to pass a stopped school bus with the sign out then they deserve the consequences.

ITA. The neighbors don't seem to care about the safety of children. I would think a patrol car sitting there would cure the problem. The officer should continue to sit there at random times throughout the school year. (Or the officer could sit on the bus to spy offenders.)

 

[C.Ann]

People know they are breaking the law already and don't care. A flyer is not going to change that.

I would just get their plate number and give it to the driver for the police to take care of. It is a police matter.

I agree..

The law is the law. I can't change that and neither can my neighbors. We have to stop for school buses because that's the law and it doesn't matter whether it's a short bus or a long bus. Yeah, I get aggravated when i get behind a school bus that has to stop at every puddle. But I don't get mad at their parents(what??) When I see buses I either go a differnet way or resign myself to going slower because that's the way it is.

My son-in-law goes through this every morning.. He knows when and where the school busses are going to be so he either chooses an alternate route or allows extra time..

I can't see how people think 5 minutes is an inconvenience (never mind that it entitles them to break the law). I think her neighbours aren't too bright for leaving at a time when they know they'll get stuck by the school bus thats there every single morning..

I think it's the same kind of thinking that people have in regards to driving within the speed limit.. Doesn't apply to them..

These people know that this school bus comes every day - at the same time.. They know that there will be a 5 minute delay.. If they are too lazy to arrange to leave 5 or 10 minutes earlier, they deserve a ticket.. Just like the people who choose to drive over the speed limit and then whine about "how can I get out of it?"
------------------------------

And yes - I once drove a "short" bus - as well as being an aide.. Back then we didn't have the gizmo that allows you to catch the plate number, but I can't tell you how many times it would have come in handy if I'd had it..

Why do we have "laws" if people feel as though they don't have to follow them? And then to make matters worse, actually whine when they get caught breaking the law??

5 minutes is nothing.. Get yourselves together a little earlier and you won't be in the position where you are breaking the law..

 

[bumbershoot]

If the stop sign is out then I would do something, If it wasn't then I would let it go

Actually it's not aganist the law if the stop sign isn't out

I just looked it up for my state.

No stop sign is mentioned at all.

You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway:

has three or more marked traffic lanes,
is separated by a median, or
is separated by a physical barrier.

After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway.

It does not matter what side of the road the door or stop is on, passing any stopped school bus IS illegal.

That's always been my understanding (except for the 3 reasons in WA, at least, where it is allowed).

I can't see how people think 5 minutes is an inconvenience (never mind that it entitles them to break the law). I think her neighbours aren't too bright for leaving at a time when they know they'll get stuck by the school bus thats there every single morning.



I don't know where you or the OP live but here its illegal whether the sign is out or not. It was also illegal before they started even putting stop signs on busses.

Agreed!

I live near a HS and if I accidentally go out as school is letting out, I turn around, I go a different direction, etc, just to avoid the situation. If I'm driving during pickup or dropoff time and I see a bus in the distance, I do the same. It's MY fault I'm out at that time, and if I don't feel like stopping, I just go about my business using a different route.

And it certainly was illegal when I was taking a bus!

I might be extra sensitive b/c I had a ridiculously *dangerous* bus stop growing up...on a 45 mph road, just after a blind curve. Dropping off, we had to cross that street.

Oh and should I mention there was a BAR right across the 45 mph street from my street?

But then the driver had to actually get out of the bus and hold up her Stop sign. Insanely dangerous for everyone, every day. Thankfully we were the last to be dropped off (first pickup) so it was "only" endangering those of us at my stop (and some kids lived on the same side as the dropoff, so drivers could never just assume that it was a same-side dropoff, b/c we went to both sides of the street) not a busload of kids.