ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s a scene that plays out every school year: drivers roll up to a four-way intersection only to find a school bus sitting there with its lights flashing and stop arm out.
Then, nothing moves. And that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
Florida law says when a school bus has its stop sign extended, all directions must come to a complete stop, even if you’re across from it, in the next lane or just thinking about making a quick turn.
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Children could be crossing anywhere, so the law makes NO exceptions.
It may feel awkward sitting there, especially if you think you’re “out of the way,” but this is one of those moments where patience isn’t just polite, it’s the law. No inching forward, no sneaking a turn, no “Can I just go?” looks at the driver.
Wait until those red lights stop flashing and the sign folds away. Then, and only then, is it safe to move.
In the meantime, maybe give the bus driver a friendly wave because they’re helping keep students safe, and so are you.
Now obviously if there is large positive median, then there are some minor exceptions, but in this situation we are refereeing to no median being present.
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