All Grass Lake buses are equipped with an “8-Light” overhead ALTERNATING stop light system, which means there are two amber lights in front and in back, and two red lights in front and in back, in addition to a single “STOP” sign near the driver’s compartment.
The procedure for buses approaching a stop requires that overhead flashing “AMBER” lights are to be activated 200 feet from the location of a bus stop. This is a warning to drivers that the bus is preparing to stop. REMEMBER: If the “AMBER” lights are flashing, children may be waiting beside the road ahead of the bus.
When the bus stops at the stop the driver opens the door, which activates the overhead flashing “RED” lights along with the fold-out stop sign near the driver’s compartment. When all traffic has stopped students are given a signal to board or de-board. Once the students have safely boarded or de-boarded the bus and are safely off of the road, the overhead “RED” lights are then de-activated and traffic can resume freely.
If you are meeting a bus on the road, treat the lights on a bus as you would an intersection stop light. Be cautious as you approach it. If the “AMBER” lights are activated, stop if it is safe to do so.
If the amber hazard lights that are mounted lower on the bus are flashing, simply proceed with caution, if safe, unless the bus is stopping at a railroad crossing. In that event, stop and wait for the bus to proceed.
REMEMBER:
IT IS THE LAW THAT VEHICLES CANNOT PASS A BUS WHILE ITS ALTERNATING OVERHEAD RED LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED.