Crime & Safety
Red Means Stop
Milford parents say they've noticed other drivers passing school buses in Milford. Here's a refresher, now that school's open.
Milford drivers may need a reminder about how to respond to school buses that are stopping to pick up or let off children. This week, a man called police to complain afor a bus that stops on Depot Street.
Here are some rules, according to the state of Massachusetts:
- Give the bus some room. State law requires drivers to stay 100 feet behind the bus at all times.
- Yellow flashing lights signal the bus is slowing down to stop.
- Red flashing lights and an extended arm indicate the bus is stopped to let children on or off. By this point, your vehicle needs to be at a full stop.
- Cars need to stop behind the school bus, in both lanes if there is a double lane. And they also need to stop on the opposite side of the road, to allow kids to cross the road safely.
- Cars on the other side of the road do not have to stop if there is a raised median separating the two sides of the road.
- Do not start driving again until the stop arm folds back up and the bus starts moving.
- A first violation of state law concerning motor vehicle operation around school buses can cause a license suspension and a $250 fine.
- Even after the warning signals have stopped, you should proceed slowly and continue to look for children.
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