Pasco County, FL – This week, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is reminding all motorists to stop for school buses and remain distraction-free as part of National School Bus Safety Week.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, drivers are required by law to stop for buses displaying red flashing lights and extended stop arms — regardless of the direction of travel — on both two-lane roads and multi-lane roads without dividers. The agency shared a safety graphic outlining when vehicles must stop and when they may cautiously proceed.
On divided highways with an unpaved median or barrier, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution, but all drivers behind the bus must stop. Deputies say failure to stop endangers children boarding or exiting buses and can result in serious penalties.
The Sheriff’s Office is also urging residents to slow down in school zones, watch for students crossing streets, and stay alert near bus stops and school parking lots throughout the week.
Officials hope the reminder helps reduce preventable injuries and keeps students safe on their way to and from school each day.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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