Stop for the school bus.

[PisnNapalm]

As many of you know I am a school bus driver. When someone does not stop for our flashing red lights we are obligated to try and get as much information about the car as possible.

We turn this information in to the local police department and they will send the driver a nice ticket in the mail.

Today.... I had a driver follow me down the street. He was behind me when I activated my flashing yellow warning lights. He was behind me when I stopped and activated the red warning lights and flashing automatic stop sign on the side of my bus. He then passed me on the left.

I hit the horn and he stopped immediately with his rear bumper even with the front of my bus. This allowed me to easily read his plate number. He then put the car in reverse for about a second before giving me a dismissive wave. Then he put it back into drive and took off down the street.

I should also say that he did all of this while talking on his cell phone.

So this morning after my run I filled out the paper work and turned the guy in to the police. In about a week he should receive a monster ticket in the mail. He'll most likely try to fight it.

The penalty in Pennsylvania for running through a school bus' red lights is::

1. 60 days suspended license
2. 5 points on your license
3. $250 fine

I'm expecting a call anytime now from the officer who will be handling the case.


Please.... Pay attention when you're driving and be especially vigilant when you see a school bus.

The child I was picking up at the time is a special needs child. He sometimes tries to break out of his mother's grip and run to the bus. I would hate to see him break free and decide to run past my bus into the street.

Thanks for reading.

PN

[Counselor]

Wow! people are idiots. thanks for the post.

[MACH1]

I can't speak for everyone else but I always stop for the school buses. But as the father of a 5 year old that rides the bus I'm not so sure I like the idea of the drivers yappin on the phone while driving the bus, especially with my child on board.

[PisnNapalm]

Originally Posted by MACH1

I can't speak for everyone else but I always stop for the school buses. But as the father of a 5 year old that rides the bus I'm not so sure I like the idea of the drivers yappin on the phone while driving the bus, especially with my child on board.

Maybe you misunderstood me. The driver that passed my school bus was talking on his cell phone.

Our company policy is that we are not allowed to talk on cell phones EXCEPT for an emergency or if our supervisor calls us. We have company cell phones that are kept on the buses. We are not allowed to use our personal phones at all while driving. It might just get ya fired if ya do.

[MACH1]

Ahhh OK.... Sorry bout that. I misunderstood you.

Where I live the police will ride on random buses just for that reason, to bust dumb ass drivers. They take down the info and walla you might get a knock on your door or a nice surprise in your mailbox.

[Godfather]

Y'all should have cameras on board so douchebags like that guy can't deny anything.

[PisnNapalm]

Originally Posted by Godfather

Y'all should have cameras on board so douchebags like that guy can't deny anything.

That would be nice. I saw a news story where they let a news crew onto a school bus and they documented several violations. I forget where that was from though.

Cameras would be nice but the equipment is expensive.

[revefsreleets]

What is the law about divided highways? Isn't it something like if the divide is wider than 4 feet drivers heading in the opposite direction don't have to stop?

[PisnNapalm]

Opposing traffic does not have to stop on a divided highway.

[revefsreleets]

Oh. I thought there was some kind of threshold. I never know what to do, and I feel guilty when I don't stop. The last time I did, I got honked at. Now I know. Thanks!