SEATTLE — As more students are returning to school this week, both law enforcement and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) have a few reminders for drivers.
During a one-day survey, Washington school bus drivers documented 542 instances of drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus.
Multiplied by the number of days in the school year, the survey results indicate that drivers are illegally passing a school bus in Washington state almost 100,000 times per year.
Nationwide, drivers reported the total for the one-day survey was 67,258.
In 2024, there were 387 collisions in Washington involving school buses, according to data from the Washington State Patrol. Of those collisions, 70% were the fault of the other drivers, according to OSPI.
Drivers should be reminded that they need to stop for school buses that have their lights flashing and/or a retractable stop sign that is engaged.
The OSPI has provided graphics for various scenarios for drivers. Here’s when you should stop and when you should proceed with caution:
Law enforcement is also reminding folks that some areas have speed cameras, so be cognizant of how fast you’re going in a school zone, or you could get a hefty citation.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination with the added bus traffic and frequent stops.
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