Watch Out for ‘Flashing Lights’ on School Buses

Published on 19 February 2025

Drivers are being urged to pay special attention when travelling on roads used as school bus routes.

“Our school bus drivers have incidences every day when vehicles pass them at excessive speed,” says Stephanie Puntoriero, Leeton Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer. “This endangers children getting on or getting off their school bus.”

At any time when you are travelling in the same direction as a bus with a “40 when lights flash” sign on the back and the lights on top are flashing, you must not overtake it at more than 40km/h. This is because the bus is picking up or dropping off children who may be crossing or about to cross the road.

“The 40km/h speed limit must be observed when the rear ‘wig-wag’ lights on the bus are flashing. This means not just around schools; it could be where the bus stops anywhere along the bus route. Flashing headlights on school buses also alert oncoming motorists that children are close.”

Parents and teachers are also being urged to talk to children about their behaviour when getting on and off school buses.

In addition, Mrs Puntoriero had safety advice for children travelling on school buses, “Wait for the bus to leave, check the road in both directions for traffic and then cross carefully when safe to do so,” she said.

Mrs Puntoriero said issues with drivers speeding around school buses was a concern both in town and on rural roads because while in town there were more buses around, on the outskirts of town the sign posted speed limits were higher increasing risks to vulnerable pedestrians.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Steph Puntoriero
Road Safety Officer
T. (02) 6953 0911
E. stephaniep@leeton.nsw.gov.au