For the first time in about 10 weeks, morning commutes Monday will share the road with buses and other traffic taking students into school in Osceola and Orange counties. Thus, expect heavier traffic starting this week.
“A lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute. This is important, because drivers who are running late are more likely to speed and take unnecessary risks while behind the wheel. That endangers everyone on the roadway.”
More than likely, you will encounter a school zone or bus stop on your commute once the school year begins. And while most of the awareness goes to drivers – slow down to the posted school zone speed limit, stop for buses with red lights flashing or stop signs extended, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks – those walking, especially students, are encouraged to stay aware and avoid wearing headphones or earbuds.
But, for drivers, Florida law requires motorists to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. The ONLY exception is on a divided highway with a raised divider, as pictured above, or a five-foot median. Even if there is a paved turn lane in between the lanes of traffic, drivers in BOTH directions must stop until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.
Best of luck to all students on the first days of schools – let’s make them safe for everyone!
