BILLINGS — As students return to school Thursday, Billings drivers are reminded to be safe around school buses.
School buses flashing amber will be stopping within 150 feet. Drivers can be, and frequently are, ticketed for attempting to pass buses while flashing amber.
When buses flash red and deploy the both-ways stop sign, drivers following the bus must stop 30 feet, or two car lengths, behind the bus.
Oncoming traffic must also stop 30 feet ahead of the bus. State law mandates this protocol for up to four lanes unless the lanes are divided by a physical barrier.
Drivers are reminded to slow down in school zones, allowing for plenty of room for incoming and exiting buses, students and crossing guards.
If you see a driver violate state law around buses and school zones, you're encouraged to get a license number and description of the car and driver, and report them to the police.
