Do you know when to stop for a school bus? Tulsa police share rules to keep kids safe

With many districts back in session, Tulsa police are reminding drivers to pay extra attention around school zones and school buses. Captain Richard Muelenberg said most traffic incidents involving buses and children are caused by driver inattention.

"The vast majority of incidents or accidents we see are driver-related," Muelenberg said. "They’re not paying attention to what’s happening around them."

🛑 When To Stop For A School Bus 🛑

Tulsa Police are using clear guidelines to help drivers understand when they must stop for a bus.

Divided Highway

If a bus is stopped—with its stop arm extended—on a road with a raised median or barrier, vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must STOP. Vehicles on the opposite side may keep driving, but with caution.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

Multi-lane roads

If a bus is stopped—with its stop arm extended—on a road with multiple lanes with no median or a turn lane, all vehicles must STOP.

"If a child can just run across the street without having any obstacles, you must stop on both sides," Muelenberg said.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

Two-lane roads

If a bus is stopped—with its stop arm extended—on a two-lane road, all vehicles must STOP.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

Why It Matters

Muelenberg said some of the children riding the bus are doing so for the first time and may not understand traffic dangers.

"They're toddlers, and they don’t recognize the fact that someone else is driving a two-ton missile," Muelenberg said.

He goes on to say that it’s really on the driver to protect those children.

School Zones And Penalties

School zones across Tulsa are active again, with flashing yellow lights signaling reduced speed limits, typically 25 mph. Violating a school zone can result in double the normal fine.

Passing a stopped school bus is considered a serious offense. In Oklahoma, a driver cited for illegally passing a school bus can face a court appearance and up to a one-year license suspension.

Early School Year Safety Report

Tulsa Public Schools have yet to begin their first day, but many area districts already have students back in class. Muelenberg said no major incidents have been reported so far, and police hope to keep it that way through the year.