During National School Bus Safety Week, October 20-24, the National Coalition for Safer Roads’s theme focuses on “Safe Stops. Stronger Communities.” The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services reports that there were more than 39 million violations of stop-arm laws across the nation.
School Bus Safety Week is a prime opportunity to brush up on stop-arm laws and school bus safety.
- Stay alert. Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
- Stop for the bus. Obey the stop-arm law every time—no exceptions.
- Support accountability. Technology and enforcement work hand in tandem to change driver behavior.
- Raise awareness. Share facts, resources, and personal stories that open eyes and change hearts.
Iowa Stop-Arm Law: When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must slow down to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop. If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus. You must remain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out.
The only exception to this is where you are approaching the bus from the opposite direction on a road with at least two lanes in each direction.
For helpful diagrams please refer to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website.
