Today marks the start of National School Bus Safety Week (October 20–24), and the Santa Ana Police Department is reminding drivers of the dangers of passing a stopped school bus. When a school bus stop arm is out and the red lights are flashing, drivers must come to a complete stop.
While riding the bus is the safest way for children to get to and from school, an alarming number of drivers illegally pass school buses with their red lights activated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2000 to 2023, there were 61 fatalities in crashes involving a driver illegally passing a stopped school bus. Almost half of those deaths (26) were pedestrians 18 years old or younger.
With few exceptions, California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when a school bus has its red lights flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights are off and children are safely on or off the bus and out of the roadway.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drivers in Santa Ana, CA who violate school bus safety laws may face the following penalties under California Vehicle Code:
- Failure to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights (Vehicle Code § 22454(a))
- Fine of $150 to $1,000 depending on the number of offenses
- Possible community service or traffic school
- Points added to driving record, which may affect insurance rates
- Reckless driving near a school bus (Vehicle Code § 23103)
- Misdemeanor offense
- Up to 90 days in jail and/or $145 to $1,000 fine
- Two points on driving record
- Passing a school bus causing injury or death
- May result in felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter
- Penalties range from county jail to state prison, depending on severity
- Repeat violations
- Higher fines and possible license suspension
- Court may impose probation or mandatory education programs
- Civil liability
- Drivers may be sued for damages if their actions result in injury or death
Santa Ana Police and California Highway Patrol actively enforce these laws, especially during National School Bus Safety Week.
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