As students across South Carolina head back to school, the South Carolina Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to use extra caution around school buses and school zones to help keep children safe.
State law requires drivers traveling behind a school bus to stop when the bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm. Motorists must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the bus begins moving again.
Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can face penalties of approximately $1,000 and six points on their driver’s license.
The Highway Patrol also reminded drivers of the state’s school bus laws. On two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended. On multi-lane roads, vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop, while traffic traveling in the opposite direction may continue with caution.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is encouraging motorists to slow down in school zones, obey posted speed limits and remain alert for children walking or bicycling to school.
Officials also advise drivers to watch carefully near bus stops, where children may unexpectedly enter the roadway, and to use extra caution when backing out of driveways or leaving garages in residential neighborhoods.
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Patrick Byrne lives in Tega Cay with his wife and two daughters. After 25 years working for a Big 4 bank, he retired to pursue his passion for writing. Additional articles and content can be found on his blog (reverian1776.blogspot.com) and freethepeople.org.
Patrick can be reach via email at [email protected]
