Drivers in Minnesota are seemingly struggling with a very basic rule of the road: stopping for school buses. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has taken to social media to remind drivers after a dashcam video captured a near-miss involving a school bus in Rosemount. The post, which includes harrowing footage, highlights the dangers that inattentive or reckless drivers pose to children.
The department's video clearly shows, a car blatantly ignoring the deployed stop arm of a bus and speeding past, just as a child is about to cross the street. This incident, recorded at the 17 second mark, serves as a stark warning. "It’s a big yellow bus, with flashing lights and a red stop arm. STOP! Too many drivers ignore all of that and risk hitting children getting on or off the school bus," the department stated.
State laws dictate that vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, as these signals mean that children are getting on or off the bus. These laws are not mere suggestions, they are designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to exercise caution and obey the rules, especially around school buses. "Don’t risk a child’s life. Slow down and stop when you see a school bus." the department urged.
