We all share the road with school buses, and that means we share the responsibility to keep students safe. Every morning and afternoon, thousands of California children step onto buses expecting drivers to do the right thing — pay attention, stop when the lights flash, and drive cautiously through school zones. At In & Out Traffic School, we remind drivers that these moments matter more than most of us realize.
The flashing yellow lights on a bus mean it’s slowing down to make a stop — your cue to prepare to stop as well. Once the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop until the bus driver signals that it’s safe to move again. There are no shortcuts here — the law exists to protect kids who may need to cross the street.
Rushing past a bus to save a few seconds isn’t just dangerous — it’s illegal. Many drivers underestimate how unpredictable children can be, especially in the excitement of going to or leaving school. A child might drop something, turn back unexpectedly, or run after a friend. That’s why the safest choice is always the simplest one: stop, look, and wait.
Drivers also need to be cautious even after a bus starts moving again. Kids might cross behind the bus, or another stop could be just ahead. Staying patient and driving defensively helps prevent chain-reaction crashes and protects everyone on the road.
Good driving isn’t just about speed or efficiency — it’s about awareness. When you see a bus, slow down. When you see flashing lights, stop. And when you see kids, expect the unexpected. That’s how responsible drivers make a difference, one safe stop at a time.
