Most schools begin in SW Mo next week. Now is the time to become familiar with the rules for school buses.

Laws in MIssouri require drivers to stop, when a school bus has stopped to load or unload children. The bus will swing out a stop sign that has flashing lights.  Once the bus retracts the stop sign you may proceed. Please obey and do not drive around that extended arm. It is illegal and you could  face charges; a class A misdemeanor.

Some drivers may not be familiar with this law.  On a two-lane road, each driver is supposed to stop during this time, regardless of which side of the road they are on.

Divided highways and roadways have different rules.  If you see a bus stopped on a divided highway with a median, and you are traveling the same direction as the bus, you still have to stop.

If you are driving on the opposite side of the road, traveling the other direction, you do not have to stop. The same applies if you are driving on a four or more lane highway.

Please be aware of school zones. Lower speed limits help protect our children.

(Info Courtesy of KY-3)