Apparently Some Minnesotans Need This Reminder

It’s 2025 after all, there are just certain things that should not still need to be stated, but yet here we are again. I saw a post earlier this week from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reminding drivers that it is the law to stop for school buses when their lights are flashing, and the stop arm is out. 

How long have school buses been back on the road? Almost a month in some cases, and longer in others. Drivers should be in the routine by now that buses are rolling and they need to adapt their routine a little to make sure they can get where they’re going on time. 

Sometimes mornings especially can be rough for folks getting out the door on time, when that happens, it’s best just to accept that you’re going to be a little late versus running the risk of having an accident involving a child or a bus full of children. 

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Here’s something to keep in mind, kids have those mornings where they struggle getting up too and maybe their attention isn’t where it’s supposed to be. I realize there’s no way to know that when you driving, but if you can treat each child you encounter waiting on a bus or walking to a bus stop with that in mind, you may just have the length of time you need to avoid hitting them if they wander into your path.   

Afternoons can be a bit tricky too because kids are excited to be out of school and off the bus and again their attention may not be where it needs to be to not put themselves in a dangerous situation.  

At a minimum, the fine for passing a stopped school bus is at least $500, and could be more. Punishments are more severe if you pass a stopped school bus on the right or if children are outside of the bus.

Watch out for School Buses!