Q: With students returning to schools, it might be a good idea to remind drivers what the various lights and stop signs mean on school buses. So many drivers don’t seem to pay attention to them. This puts our little ones in danger of possibly getting hit by distracted and ignorant drivers.
Don Cole, Campbell
A: An excellent reminder. Drivers need to remember to drive patiently, slowly, and attentively around school zones and school buses.
The speed limit is 25 mph, or lower where posted, within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. When near schools, watch out for bicycles, pedestrians, school buses and cars whose drivers are inattentive.
As for school buses, flashing yellow lights on a school bus warn drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. With a few exceptions, California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when the red lights on a school bus are flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until those red lights are turned off.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding a school bus is the safest way for students to get to school – 70 times safer than other modes of transportation.
On average, more than 50,000 certified school bus drivers transport more than 1 million California students yearly. To help ensure students’ safety, the CHP launched the Vehicles Illegally Passing a School Bus (VIPS) enforcement project in 2017. During VIPS enforcement operations, CHP officers patrol bus routes, watching for vehicles that do not stop for flashing red school bus lights. Drivers can also report people who illegally pass a school bus. To do so, call 1-800-TELL-CHP.
Q: I have difficulty with the idea that, driving at 75 mph in the diamond lane, I should move over to another lane because a driver tailgates me. If that’s so, and I want to travel in the diamond lane, at what speed can I really travel there? Is 85 or 95 reasonable and prudent?
I believe Germany has roads with no speed limits. How’s that working, and should the U.S. adopt that as our standard?
Joe Rudnicki
A: I understand your point, and your frustration. An autobahn approach would not work on our roads, though some drivers seem to want that. Intrigued by your comment, though, I did a little research on autobahn safety. It appears that it works in Germany for several reasons, including their rigorous management of driver licensing, road maintenance, and more.
Q: I’ve noticed most police cars do not signal turns or come to a full stop at stop signs. Maybe a better example from them would help.
Jack Lueder
A: We all need to set better examples.
Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at [email protected].