Police outline school bus safety as students head back to class

With students on the Central Coast heading back to school this week after winter vacation, Salinas Police reminded drivers how to navigate around school buses.

Salinas Police say that there are specific instances in which drivers can pass a school bus—even when that bus has its red, blinking arm extended. That’s okay to do when you’re on a road with more than one lane on each side of the road. You must also be approaching the bus from the opposite direction.

“So an example would be on Laurel, near Tyler,” Morten said.There are school buses there in the morning and the afternoon, so cars approaching from the rear need to stop every single time. However, if they’re approaching from the front of the school bus, they do not need to stop because there’s that center turn lane.”

If you are ever unsure about the legality of passing a school bus, Officer Morten recommended you stop the car. It’s the safest choice.

According to police, the fine for passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing can be up to $600. 

But, beyond school bus awareness, Police say it’s important to remember to slow down in school zones.

“It’s a shared responsibility between the drivers and the pedestrians to limit their distractions,” Salinas Police Officer Seth Morten said. “You know, to put the phone down when they’re driving. As well as the pedestrians to pay attention to crossing the street.”

Morton explained that the speed limit in school zones, while students are present, is 25 miles per hour.

With more rain and slippery conditions expected on Thursday, CHP says that drivers should be extra careful.