Massive Traffic Violations Near School Buses in Houston
The Problem of School Bus Safety
School buses are an important element of the transportation system for parents with busy schedules, although for other drivers they can sometimes seem like moving obstacles. When buses slow down, stop, and turn on their flashing lights, almost all drivers are required to stop and wait.
However, not everyone follows this rule. In Houston, police just identified 51 individuals who violated it, and it only took a few hours.
Operation Details
The raid took place in Klein, a suburb of North Houston. There, officers observed school buses and recorded how drivers interacted with them. From the video footage, it is evident that many motorists simply ignored the warning lights.
Police found more problems with the drivers than just a lack of attention. At least one of them had no insurance, registration, or driver’s license. Drugs were discovered in the morning, and another person was found with a weapon with a partially erased serial number.
Reasons for Violations
Although the operation was undoubtedly successful from a law enforcement perspective, it is worth considering why so many drivers calmly passed the bus. Perhaps it is related to road design and bus routes.
All recordings show that the patrols were conducted on roads with multiple lanes in each direction. At least two of them have five lanes, including a center turn lane between the bus and oncoming traffic.
Specifics of Traffic Rules
One of the confirmed locations for the operation was Louetta Road – a main thoroughfare with five lanes and a speed limit of 40 mph. In some states, such as Illinois, South Carolina, and California, there are rules for similar roads that allow oncoming traffic to continue moving.
Confusion Regarding the Dividing Strip
Almost all states allow oncoming traffic to continue moving provided there is a dividing strip between the lanes of traffic. Some states consider a center turn lane to be such a dividing strip, but most do not.
The rules can be confusing, so the safest option is simple: when you see a school bus with flashing lights – stop. Even if you are several lanes away, it is better to wait a few seconds than to risk getting a fine or worse consequences.
This situation indicates the need for clearer road signs and educational work among drivers regarding traffic rules near school buses. Local authorities may consider installing additional warning signs on highways where school buses frequently operate, especially in sections with center turn lanes, which are often a source of misunderstandings.