CHP School Bus Lights Flash to Save Children’s Lives

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about their efforts to improve safety for children at bus stops around California. From October 17-21, the CHP is participating in National School Bus Safety Week. During the week, the CHP will be raising awareness about how motorists can help keep kids safe as they get to and from school. Whether you have a school-aged child or not, school bus safety needs to be on everybody’s radar. 

In California, with very few exceptions, drivers are required to stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights on. Motorists are supposed to remain stopped until the red lights are off. School bus drivers are trained to keep their flashing red lights on until they’re certain that children are safely out of the road and seated on the bus.  

Remain Vigilant at Bus Stops and Lookout for Kids 

If you’re stopped and waiting, this is also a good time to take a vigilant look at your surroundings. If children are getting off the bus, they could be nearby. Drivers need to be on the lookout for children in areas where buses have recently stopped.  

The CHP takes school bus safety very seriously. Each year, they inspect more than 20,000 school buses, and in 2017, they launched the Vehicles Illegally Passing a School Bus (VIPS) enforcement project. During VIPS enforcement operations, CHP officers ride on school buses and patrol bus routes looking for vehicles that don’t stop for the flashing red lights.  

Motorists Can Help Crack Down on Drivers Who Illegally Pass Buses  

The program also encourages motorists to report other drivers who illegally pass school buses. Last year, the CHP issued 218 citations. Officials with the CHP are hoping these efforts will help to keep bus stops safer for children in California.  

If your child has been injured in a school bus accident or at a bus stop in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact our skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.