According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 2,500 crashes involving school buses in the state in one recent year, causing 11 fatalities and 63 injuries. Protecting children from serious injury and death is one of the most important things we can do as a community, and Texas has laws on the books to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
If you or your child were injured in a school bus accident, understanding the laws surrounding when to stop for a school bus in Texas could play a crucial role in your injury lawsuit.
Understanding Texas Bus Stop Laws
According to Texas school bus laws, motorists should prepare to stop when a school bus flashes its yellow lights and come to a complete stop when the bus’s red lights flash and its stop sign is extended. This applies to all roads regardless of which direction the motorists are traveling, except for roads with dividing barriers between lanes, such as a wall or fence.
Those who fail to stop for a school bus with flashing lights or extended stop signs can face various penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a driver’s license suspension.
When to Stop for a School Bus in Texas
It’s important for all drivers to understand basic school bus safety procedures to keep Texas students safe. Drivers must stop for school buses on all two-lane roads and all multi-lane roads that don’t have a dividing median. The only time motorists can continue driving when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended is if they are on the other side of a divided road with a physical barrier.
Don’t Pass a School Bus on Your Side of the Road If…
Texas motorists should avoid passing a school bus on their side of the road if any of the following is true:
- The bus has yellow flashing lights
- The bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign
- Children are getting on or off the bus, even if the lights have stopped flashing and the stop sign is retracting
- There is no physical barrier separating your lane from the bus
Consequences of Passing a School Bus in Texas
The consequences of passing a school bus in Texas can be severe. First offenses result in a fine between $500 and $1,250, and second or subsequent offenses within five years can result in a fine between $1,000 and $2,000.
If an injury occurred due to the offense, the offender could face a Class A misdemeanor. If they have been previously convicted for an injury caused by passing a school bus, they could face a state jail felony.
Additionally, the court may order that a person convicted of passing a stopped school bus have their driver’s license suspended for up to six months.
Contact Our Houston Bus Accident Attorneys to Learn More
If you or your child were injured in a Texas school bus accident, contact Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs for a free consultation with a car accident attorney certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Our firm has provided injured Texans with legal support for several decades, and founding partner Tommy Fibich has over 50 years of legal experience. We have a track record of achieving successful results for our clients, including multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts. Let us show you what our firm can do for you. Call or contact us online today.
