What to Do if you See a School Bus

We are in “back to school” month, and therefore one of the things set to mix with the normal traffic is the school bus, and so we must all know what to do if we see one.

When operating as a school bus, the vehicle must display a pictogram which shows the type of service they are operating on the front and the rear.

Part of the reason for this is to advise other road users that it may stop in unusual locations away from normal bus stops, and there will be children in the vicinity, but also to make other road users aware that the bus is subject to a restricted speed, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.

If you approach a school bus which has stopped, slow down and take it easy, being extra observant and giving the bus more room than you might with other vehicles. There is a chance that some children may be late and run into the road to catch the bus, or those leaving the bus might wander around, oblivious to their surroundings, and so vigilance is crucial.

Unlike some other countries, you are permitted to pass a stopped school bus, but you must be extra cautious when doing so.

If a bus is indicating to pull out, let it. There may be a temptation to try to pass the bus, but courtesy is key, so please give way, if it´s safe to do so.

During late November, there will be an awareness campaign focussing on school buses. The Guardia Civil, DGT, local and regional police will all be working together to check on these vehicles and the use of seatbelts, as well as the drivers, documentation, and vehicle standards, so there is a chance that these vehicles will also be accompanied, seemingly surrounded, or delayed by the presence of these officers, so extra care will be called for.