HENDRY COUNTY — As the beginning of the 2023-2024 School year rapidly approaches, Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden wants to remind everyone about school bus safety.

Prevent crashes by remaining alert and driving with caution around school buses and in school zones where children may be present, such as schools, bus stops, and school parking lots. Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children and teach them to remain alert on and around school buses and school zones.

MOTORISTS
• Are required to STOP when approaching a school bus when its red lights are flashing, and the STOP arm is extended.  

• All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.  

• On a highway divided by a paved median all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a school bus displaying a STOP SIGNAL and MUST REMAIN STOPPED until the road is clear of children AND the school bus stop arm is withdrawn.  

• The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a raised barrier such as a concrete divider or at least five feet of unpaved space separating the lanes of traffic. 

• On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, drivers moving in the opposite direction do not have to stop for the bus (painted lines or pavement markings are not considered barriers). However, these motorists should slow down and watch for students loading or unloading from the bus.  

Penalties for passing stopped school bus include:
• Moving violation subject to citation.
• Requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction.
• Four points on your driver license; and
• Minimum fine of $165, if you pass on the side where children enter and exit, you will receive a minimum fine of $265.