Alabama Officials Remind Drivers of School Bus Safety Laws as Students Return to Class

With the new school year underway, Alabama authorities are reminding drivers to follow state laws regarding school bus safety to protect children as they travel to and from school.

According to Alabama law, it is both illegal and dangerous to pass a stopped school bus when its warning lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

Drivers should remember these important rules:

• On undivided roads, all vehicles—regardless of direction—must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading students.

• On divided highways, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop.

Motorists are also advised to stop far enough back to allow children to safely enter and exit the bus.

Law enforcement agencies across the state continue to enforce these laws and encourage extra caution in school zones and neighborhoods. The goal is to ensure a safe and smooth start to the academic year.

For more information on school transportation safety and traffic laws, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety at www.alea.gov.