Hi Seal Beach! Did you know that the week of October 18-22, 2021 is National School Bus Safety Week?
Okay, well neither did I, but I think this is a good time to talk about the safety of our kids in and around our local schools.
Statistically, riding the bus to school is the safest way for children to get to and from school.
Yet, even in Seal Beach, we still see drivers illegally passing school buses which have their red lights activated. As a reminder, California Vehicle Code §22454 states (in part), that motorists (traveling in either direction) must remain stopped as long as the red lights on the school bus are activated and flashing.
Once the lights stop flashing and the kids are safely across the street, you may proceed.
If you decide not to stop for the flashing red lights of a school bus, the fines go up to $1,000 and you could have your license suspended for one year.
If you are on the opposite side of a divided highway from the bus with the flashing red lights, you don’t have to stop. Our Seal Beach Police Department Traffic Bureau has and will continue to focus our enforcement efforts on traffic safety around McGaugh.
I know we are all in a hurry, but there is no excuse for failing to stop for the flashing red lights of a school bus.
If you have questions about our traffic enforcement efforts, or other burning questions about the SBPD, please email me ataskacop@sealbeachca.gov.
Thanks!
