Can you go around a bus with yellow lights?

Navigating Yellow Bus Lights: A Guide for Safe Passing

Yellow lights on a school bus indicate a crucial warning. While not a universal stop signal like red, yellow lights demand heightened awareness and caution from drivers. The primary purpose of these lights is to alert drivers to the possibility of a stop. A bus displaying these lights may not be preparing to stop immediately. However, a driver’s duty of care demands proactive vigilance.

Proceed cautiously as you approach a bus with yellow lights. Do not assume that the bus will remain stationary. Carefully assess the situation, ensuring your vehicle’s speed and position allow for safe passage if the bus does indeed stop. Never attempt to pass another vehicle while they are engaged in the stopping process.

Flashing yellow lights signify a heightened state of caution. This means the possibility of an imminent stop has risen, and the bus may be changing its speed or location to initiate a stop. This is a critical moment demanding more focused attention than a static yellow light.

Passing a vehicle with yellow lights is permissible, but only if it is absolutely safe to do so. Consider the following factors:

• Road Conditions: Are there obstructions or obstacles that could hinder your passing maneuver? Is the road clear and wide enough?
• Vehicle Speed: Are you moving at a safe speed, and are you maintaining control of your vehicle?
• Distance: Is there sufficient distance between you and the bus to complete the pass safely, even if the bus decides to stop?
• Other Traffic: Are there other vehicles in the vicinity that could interfere with your passing?

If the conditions do not support a safe passing maneuver, avoid passing entirely. Wait for the bus to continue or stop, then proceed cautiously.

Special Considerations near Schools: Near schools, exercising caution is of utmost importance. Yellow lights serve a crucial function, as buses frequently stop to load and unload children. The increased presence of children near the roadside demands extra awareness and a heightened level of caution. This heightened awareness should be a priority wherever children are present.

In summary, yellow lights on a bus serve as a warning, signifying potential stopping, not a definite stop. Exercise caution, assess the situation thoroughly, and prioritize safety. Passing is permissible if safe, but passing should be avoided whenever the safety of other road users, including children, could be compromised.