When to Stop For a School Bus: Montgomery Camera Program Expands

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — With the start of another school year only a week away, police say cameras will be added to numerous Montgomery County buses to help catch drivers illegally passing school buses that are stopped for loading and unloading of children.

It is against the law for a car to pass a bus that is stopped with its lights flashing and stop-sign arm extended. Police are reminding drivers that traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus if there is no dividing median on the road.

A pilot program between Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery County police began last year with around 20 buses being outfitted with cameras to catch drivers breaking the law. This year, authorities announced that number will go up to around 100 buses within two weeks of the start of the school year, WTOP reports. Within three years, the district plans to have 1,200 buses with cameras.

SEE ALSO: Top Dates in Montgomery County School Calendar for 2016-17 Year

As Patch previously reported, the fine for a camera catching a driver illegally passing a school bus is $125, with a ticket sent in the mail.

If the police happen to witness a driver illegally passing a school bus, the police can pull the driver over and hand over a moving violation that carries a fine of as much as $570.

The school district told WTOP more than 4,800 violations have been handed out since the start of the program.

See valuable tips below for how to proceed behind or around school buses safely and legally:

What to Do When Approaching a School Bus:

• When a school bus stops, the flashing red lights go on and the stop sign flaps come out, drivers in BOTH directions are required to stop. This is the most dangerous time with children getting on or off the bus.
• It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop-sign arm extended.
• Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.
• Two-lane road: When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic in both directions must stop.
• Two-lane road with center turn lane: When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic in both directions must stop.
• Four-lane road without a center median: When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic in both directions must stop.
• Divided highway of four lanes or more with a center median: When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following behind the bus must stop.

Tips for Kids, Parents:

• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s OK before stepping onto the bus.
• When getting off the bus, look before stepping off the bus to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road). Move away from the bus as quickly as possible.
• Before crossing the street, take five “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen. Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
• Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.
• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and bookbags with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.