Stop, slow down for school buses

School begins earlier this year — Monday to be exact — compared to the last few years, and motorists must remember the rules of the road unless they want to sacrifice a fair chunk of money in fines and heartache in lost driver’s license points.

With Churchill County operating a large fleet of school buses, motorists must remember to stop for the flashing red lights when children are either climbing on or unloading from the bus. Nevada law states motorists must stop in both directions for a school bus stopped on any road unless a physical barrier or median divides the highway such as between Leeteville Junction and Hazen.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, if a bus pulls completely off the pavement part of the road, then motorists are not required to stop.

Currently, the Nevada Highway Patrol and Churchill County School District have reduced the number of stops on U.S. Highway 50, but all other roads in the city and county — including U.S. Highway 95 — have numerous stops.

The reduction in the number of stops on the Reno Highway occurred because of a collision four years ago when a vehicle collided with a stopped bus, killing one of the car’s passengers.

And the penalties are hefty, ranging from a fine between $250 to $500 for the first offense to a fine of not more than $1,000 and a suspension of the driver’s license, also up to one year for a third offense within two years.

In addition, motorists lose points on their driving record.

The same requirements to stop for a school bus and the fines are the same in every corner of Nevada.

Meanwhile, the Fallon Police Department and the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office are ensuring motorists slow down to 15 miles per hour in the school zones.

Each school zone in Churchill County is clearly marked including a nine-block stretch of Taylor Street which is 15 mph only in the morning and afternoon when students are going to or leaving school.

Ticketed drivers speeding in school zones also pay a hefty fine and lose points on their record.

To avoid the chance meeting with a police officer, motorists must focus their attention on school buses and school zones for the next nine months.

Editorials are written by the LVN Editorial Board and appear on Wednesdays.