The Bakersfield Police Department is reminding drivers to "Stop on Red" during National School Bus Safety Week.
Through October 22 to the 26, National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder to drivers the importance of making sure children taking the bus are getting to and from school safely.
The Bakersfield Police Department supports national efforts to promote school bus safety and inform drivers what they need to do around buses. Throughout the week, BPD will be cracking down on vehicles that illegally pass school buses, conducting enforcement operations looking for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
If caught, drivers face at least a $150 fine, with multiple violations resulting in up to $1,000 in fines and a suspended license for one year.
Here are a few safety tips to ensure children's safety.
Drivers:
- Before making a turn, make sure the path is clear. Let pedestrians with the right-of-way
safely cross intersections before turning. - Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone, grooming or eating while driving.
- Be careful backing up. Look for pedestrians who may be behind your car.
- Always keep an eye out for children, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.
- Flashing red lights on a bus school means “STOP.” On a two-lane road, cars traveling in
BOTH directions must stop until students exit the bus and the flashing red lights are
turned off.
Children:
- When boarding or getting off a bus, play it SAFE.
- Stay five steps away from the curb
- Always wait for the bus driver to tell you when to board
- Face forward when riding on bus
- Exit bus when it stops, looking both ways before stepping onto sidewalk
