The Menomonee Falls Police Department investigates school bus violations seemingly all too often. Our Patrol Support Unit typically investigates these complaints and finds that motorists are often simply distracted when they fail to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red or amber lights, which creates a safety hazard for the children getting on and off the bus.
Our Accident Investigators would like to share a few safety reminders for you to consider when driving alongside a school bus:
- Whether approaching a stopped school bus from the front or rear, if the bus has red flashing warning lights displayed, you are required to stop your vehicle not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the bus driver turns off the flashing red warning lights. This does not apply to operators of vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
- School Bus drivers are required to activate the red flashing warning lights at least 100 feet before stopping to load or unload passengers in speed zones under 45 mph. They are required to activate the flashing amber warning lights 300 feet before stopping in speed zones of 45 mph or greater. When you see a bus activate its red or amber flashing warning lights, be prepared to stop.
- The bus drivers are required to keep the red flashing warning lights illuminated until the passengers are either loaded or unloaded, and the passengers have made it safely across the roadway.
- Use extra caution during inclement weather.
Our Department is receptive to your input. Our Officers and Accident Investigators conduct directed patrols along bus routes where violations have been reported. Avoid the ticket and drive with care.