The Eight-Light Warning System was implemented in August 2016 to give other drivers ample warning and time to slow down or stop when a bus makes a pick-up or drop-off.
The Wisconsin State Patrol said despite many safety measures, there are about 600 crashes involving school buses every year in Wisconsin. Here is a system to help with this issue. A vehicle approaching a school bus with an eight-light warning system must do the following:
Amber Warning Lights
This is a cautionary message that the bus is coming to a stop and will soon be activating its RED warning lights. Traffic is allowed to bypass the school bus with care.
Red Warning Lights
Stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the driver extinguishes the flashing red warning lights. Failure to do so will result in a minimum fine of $326.50 and four points. This law does not apply to vehicles driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway but does apply if no barrier is present on multi-lane street or highway.
A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights must stop, regardless if the stop arm is out or not (Ss.346.48(1)).
School Bus Operator Requirements
School bus manufactured on or after 01/01/05 equipped with both AMBER and RED warning lights as specified in Ss.347.25(2):
The operator shall actuate the flashing amber warning lights at least 300 feet before stopping in a 45 mile per hour or greater speed zone or at least 100 feet before stopping in a less than 45 mile per hour speed zone
School Bus Operators USE of Flashing WARNING lights:
a. At the point of loading or unloading, the operator , while bringing the bus to a stop, extinguish the flashing amber warning lights (not applicable to red light equipped bus only), and actuate the flashing red warning lights.
b. After loading or unloading is completed and persons who must cross the highway are safely across, extinguish the flashing red warning lights
c. Where the curb and sidewalk are laid on one side of the road only, the operator shall use the flashing red or flashing red and amber warning lights when loading or unloading passengers from either side.
School Bus Operators SHALL NOT USE the Flashing RED or AMBER WARNING Lights in:
Special school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the traveled portion of the highway
Residence or business districts when pupils or other authorized passengers are to be loaded or unloaded where a sidewalk and curb are laid on both sides of the road, UNLESSrequiredotherwisebymunicipal ordinance enacted under Ss.349.21(1).
Should your child be in an accident which injuries are sustained, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury attorney. When you are represented by a skilled attorney, you’ll have your best chance of being fairly compensated for any injuries that you sustain in an accident.
Call Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck in Milwaukee TODAY at (414) 223-4444 to have one of our caring lawyers come out to meet you and get car accident help TODAY and money for your injuries. There is no fee until we win.
#jshlaw #caraccidenthelptoday #nofeeuntilwewin #money4injuries #milwaukeecaraccidentlawyer #accident #schoolbussafety #eightlightwarningsystem