Wisconsin State Patrol Reminds of the Dangers of Passing a School Bus

Speeding up when approaching buses with their amber lights flashing is dangerous

Wisconsin State Patrol officials are reminding drivers that speeding up when approaching school buses with their amber lights flashing is dangerous.

“Flashing amber lights are a signal that the school bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off children, so drivers need to slow down, pay attention and proceed carefully. Drivers are allowed to pass a moving school bus with its flashing amber lights activated, but they must do so cautiously. Remember, the school bus is transporting our most precious commodity, and speeding up just to get around the bus before the red lights are turned on is dangerous for all,” says State Patrol Lt. Karl Mittelstadt.

“Once the bus displays flashing red warning lights, drivers both in front of and behind the bus must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off or the bus resumes travel. Drivers must stop even if the red stop-sign arm on the side of the bus is not extended.”

A citation of illegally passing a school bus costs a minimum of $326.50 and adds four demerit points on a driver’s license.

School bus drivers are authorized to report drivers who illegally pas them to a law enforcement agency and a citation may be issued.

In August 2016, a state law went into effect that requires all school buses built on or after January 1, 2005 to be equipped with amber lights. These amber lights give drivers more time to react to a school bus that is preparing to stop.