7 . School Bus Safety in the United States
Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Do you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? Less than 1% of all traffic deaths involve children on school transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It’s important for you to understand school bus safety.
Stop for School Buses
When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, it’s not just the bus that you need to have your eyes on — but the surrounding area, too. Children wait at least several feet away from a bus and often cross the street when they’re boarding or getting off the bus. This is why you must stop for school buses, and don’t attempt to pass.
Illegal School Bus Passing
Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road. In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.
Understanding School Bus Lights
Learn the school bus laws in your state and always follow them, as well as the flashing lights that school bus drivers use to warn you.
Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red flashing lights and extended stop-arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
1. What should you especially pay attention to when a school bus stops?
| A．Its driver on duty. | B．The direction in which you pass it. |
| C．Kids getting on or off it. | D．The way to follow closely behind. |
2. In which case is it legal for other vehicles to pass a stopped school bus?
| A．After it has moved. | B．Before it begins moving. |
| C．While its stop-arm is extended. | D．When the red lights are flashing. |
3. Who is the text intended for?
| A．Parents. | B．Drivers. |
| C．Teachers. | D．Students. |
