Attention, school is in session

Lina PortmanAugust 27, 2024

2 1 minute read

Drive with caution and watch for changes to crosswalks and travel patterns as schools return to school

Anna Marie Ward

August 26, 2024 12:06 p.m.

MT. PLEASANT — As school starts this week, the Henry County Sheriff's Office is offering some friendly safety reminders.

As students board city buses starting Friday morning, Aug. 23, the sheriff's office reminds drivers to stop for buses, limit distractions and watch for children. Additionally, drivers should slow down in school zones and pay attention to stop signs at crosswalks that were not present during the summer.

When traveling in two or three lanes of traffic, always stop when a school bus stops. (Submitted photo)

Under Iowa law, any vehicle must stop in front of a school bus when its red lights and/or stop arm are deployed when it is in three or fewer lanes of road. On a four-lane road, vehicles following the bus must stop. Vehicles in the other two lanes traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop.

The only time drivers don't have to stop for a school bus with flashing lights and an outstretched arm is when they're going the wrong way on a four-lane highway. (Submitted photo)

The Iowa Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stop at least 15 feet from the rear of the bus and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus begins moving again.

Violation of this law may result in a driver's license suspension for up to 180 days.

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