North Iowa drivers cautioned about passing a stopped school bus

The Iowa Department of Transportation, at the request of the West Fork School District, is alerting motorists to pay close attention when approaching a stopped school bus.

Recently, three instances of northbound vehicles passing a stopped school bus on U.S. 65 south of Rockwell have caused concern within the school district. The speed limit on this two-lane roadway is 55 mph at this location.

The law regarding vehicles stopping for school buses can be found in Iowa Code 321.372. According to Iowa law, drivers on two-lane roadways, when meeting a school bus with flashing amber warning lamps, shall reduce the vehicle's speed to no more than 20 mph, and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when the school bus stops and the stop signal arm is extended. The vehicle shall remain stopped until the stop signal arm is retracted, after which time the driver may proceed with caution.

The driver of a vehicle traveling behind a school bus shall not pass the bus when its red or amber warning signal lights are flashing. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop no closer than 15 feet from the school bus when the bus is stopped and its stop arm is extended. The vehicle shall remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the school bus resumes motion. Drivers should never pass on the right shoulder.

Report any observed violations of the school bus passing law to local law enforcement.