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Post by title1parent on Aug 31, 2008 7:51:27 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1136791,2_1_AU31_BUSSAFETY_S1.article Drivers: Be aware of school bus laws August 31, 2008 By Cigi Ross Staff Writer Schools throughout the Fox Valley are back in session, and drivers should keep in mind that the big yellow buses are back on the road. School district transportation officials and police say the No. 1 rule motorists break while driving near school buses is disobeying the bus stop arm. Streamwood Police Officer Gene Richardson called the problem "unbelievable." Richardson said motorists who aren't paying attention or aren't aware of the Rules of the Road cause safety hazards for students and other drivers. Richardson explained some traffic rules concerning buses: • If there are four or more lanes of traffic divided by a median or a double yellow line, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as a bus must stop for the stop arm. Drivers traveling in traffic lanes opposite that of the bus may proceed, and may be ticketed if they stop for the stop arm and cause an accident. • If there is only one lane of traffic in each direction, drivers traveling in both directions must stop for the stop arm, even if there is a median or a double yellow line. Richardson said school zone speed limits apply whenever children are present between school zone signs. Richardson said consequences for breaking these traffic laws can be steep, including a three-month license suspension, fines between $150 and $250, traffic school and court costs.
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