And there’s a good reason for the rule
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this week, keep an eye out for school buses, and definitely don’t try to sneak past one when its stop sign is out.
Abu Dhabi Police has reminded motorists that they must come to a complete stop when a school bus extends its side-mounted Stop arm while children are getting on or off.
And there’s a good reason for the rule. Children may need to cross the road in front of the bus, so drivers must leave them plenty of space and time to get across safely.
The rule is simple: stay at least five metres away from the school bus when its Stop arm is extended.
That means no creeping forward, squeezing past or trying to get around the bus before it moves off. Wait until the bus has finished picking up or dropping off pupils and the Stop arm has been retracted before continuing.
What’s the fine?
Getting this one wrong could prove seriously expensive.
Passing a stopped school bus while its Stop arm is extended carries:
AED1,000 fine
10 traffic points
With schools reopening across the emirate, school buses are once again out in force, particularly during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up rush.
Police are urging motorists to slow down and stay extra alert around schools, residential communities and bus stops. Even if you’re running late, it’s not worth taking a chance when children could be crossing the road.
So, the next time you see a school bus with its Stop arm out, stop, stay five metres back and wait. It’s a small pause that could make a big difference to a child’s safety.
