Introduced by Rep. Paul Condino (D) on February 7, 2007, to revise the law that requires drivers to stop 20 feet from a school bus that has stopped and is displaying two alternately flashing red lights to remove the requirement that the lights be red.
Referred to the House Education Committee on February 7, 2007.
Reported in the House on March 6, 2007, with the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Referred to the House Transportation Committee on March 6, 2007.
1) Busdriver [by Anonymous Citizen on February 12, 2007] I wish all bus drivers were as diligent as you (assuming you are a bus driver). Thank you for TRYING to get our children to school safely-despite all the drivers balancing their coffee, blackberry, etc. We can pass laws every week - but unless we have them enforced it won't change a thing. Some school districts ONLY use the lights that stop traffic, while others use the hazards when the children don't cross. If we could find consistency it might help. But it should be something that works-and is enforced. I hope the lawmakers listen to you. Reply
2) Confusion! [by MTH on February 12, 2007] This change simply adds more confusion for drivers of both cars and buses.
First, we have a GREAT bus stop law in effect right now. HOW ABOUT ENFORCING IT ? You will find that 90% of Police officers have no idea how the law reads now.
Second, the "Hazard Light" bus stop is an excellent alternative to a full red light stop and allows motorists to pass the bus safely and no children are in danger at all.
Third, in January.. at 6:45 in the morning a school bus slowing down for a bus stop with its YELLOW lights showing... looks stopped. So now the motorist panics and has no idea where and how to stop ?
Fourth, It's a big yellow traffic device. THINK about a traffic light. Yellow means caution, red means stop.
Fifth, we have a GREAT bus stop law in effect right now. How about spending a few precious dollars to educate the motorists rather than pass a new law that will be ignored like the good one we already have?
3) Why? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 10, 2007] Why are you wanting to add confusion to the present requirements, which seem to be working well? Give a reason for this proposed change. Reply