As school starts and more school buses are on the roads, it's important to remember the rules for driving around them. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department’s blog, “The most common misunderstanding is when there is a center turn lane, and vehicles are traveling in the opposite direction, you do not need to stop.” Following this rule helps keep everyone safe and avoids fines.
Understanding when to stop for a school bus is not only legal compliance, but a moral imperative. According to the same blog post, violations of these rules can lead to not just fines but more tragic consequences. Drivers often forget to fully stop when a school bus extends its stop sign arm, or they falsely assume that an intervening center turn lane absolves them from the need to halt their vehicles. Patience is urged by the sheriff’s department, as bus drivers navigate their precious cargo — a split infinitive of duties that involves both secure conveyance and punctual delivery.
As the school year begins, it’s crucial to be patient on the roads. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department’s blog, “We ask all drivers to be patient with the bus drivers as they carry our precious cargo.” Impatience can lead to serious consequences.
