Ohio, like other states, has traffic laws in place to protect the safety of children getting on and off school buses. As a responsible driver, you should familiarize yourself with Ohio’s school bus traffic laws to help reduce school bus crashes. Ohio reported 1,249 school bus-related accidents in 2022, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol reports.
If you or your child has suffered injuries in a school bus accident, never wait to seek help from our Ohio school bus attorneys from Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz.
The primary function of Ohio’s school bus traffic laws (Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.75.) is to establish clear guidelines for when drivers must stop for a school bus.
Firstly, when a school bus stops with red flashing lights on and the stop arm extended, all vehicles in both travel directions must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet away from the bus. This applies on both two-lane and multi-lane roadways, regardless of whether there is a divider or median separating the lanes.
However, if the bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes, only the traffic going in the same direction should stop.
Additionally, drivers must not proceed until the bus begins to move or until the driver signals that it is safe to pass. This law excludes peace officers and school crossing guards.
Furthermore, when a school bus is loading or unloading students, it is illegal for drivers to pass the bus. This rule applies to both the same and opposite sides of the road if there is no physical barrier.
Violating these laws can lead to fines of up to $500 and even the suspension of your driver’s license. Suspension periods are stipulated in Ohio Revised Code Section 4510.02.
When driving around school buses in Ohio, these tips will help in adherence to school bus laws as well as avoiding potential auto accidents:
Ohio school bus traffic laws ensure the safety of students during their daily commute and help regulate motorists’ behavior when they encounter a school bus on the road. In case of an incident involving a school bus, you need to approach the issue carefully to avoid possible legal repercussions. Our legal team can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. Contact us today, and let us evaluate your case for free.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
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