LAPS News:

The Los Alamos Public School District would like to remind drivers in Los Alamos and White Rock to exercise caution when it comes to school buses, bus stops and the students who ride those buses, as well as inform the community about the law regarding school buses.

Since the beginning of the school year, 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. 

“We do everything we can to ensure the safety of students on or near the school bus. Once students start to walk away from the bus, it is essential that the public stop when the lights are flashing and the stop arm is out to ensure the safety of our students,” Rosenbaum said.

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