LAPS kicks off bus safety campaign Wednesday called, ‘Just Stop!’ Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools will be kicking off its bus safety campaign Feb. 14 called, “Just Stop!” in order to encourage drivers in Los Alamos to be extra vigilant and stop when the stop arm is extended on school buses.

Over the course of the next few weeks, LAPS will be displaying signs and banners across the county to remind drivers to be careful.

Since the beginning of the school year, and even the start of the new semester, LAPS Director of Facilities and Transportation Keith Rosenbaum has noticed an increase in cars throughout Los Alamos County that improperly drive through the stop arm and flashing red lights of LAPS school buses.

Running the stop arm and flashing red lights of a school bus endangers the students getting on and off the buses.

Each and every driver can do their part by remembering school bus safety rules and tips. First, drive slowly and look for children waiting at the bus stop, walking or riding their bicycles to school. Second, know what the flashing lights indicate. A red flashing light with the extended stop arm means traffic is required to stop, even in both directions of a two-lane road. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so proceed with caution.

Be careful when pulling up to a bus stop because children might be running out to the bus. Finally, follow all school zone speed limits, look for students in crosswalks and never pass a bus on the outside of a turn. 

Direct questions about school bus stops or school bus safety to the Transportation Department at 505.663.2255.