LVN opinion: Stop for school buses, pupils

Gone are the days when school began near or after Labor Day weekend in Churchill County.

County schools opened their doors last week for students, and Oasis Academy and Logos Christian Academy started this week.

We must remind motorists to remember the rules of the road unless they want to contribute to county coffers for committing an infraction as well as losing a few driver’s license points.

With Churchill County operating many school buses, both local and out-of-area motorists must remember to stop for the flashing red lights when children are either climbing on or unloading from the bus. Nevada law states motorists must halt in both directions for a school bus stopped on any road unless a physical barrier or median divides the highway such as between Leeteville Junction and Hazen.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, if a bus pulls completely off the pavement, then motorists are not required to stop.

Almost a decade ago, the Nevada State Police and Churchill County School District reduced the number of stops on U.S. Highway 50, but all other roads in the city and county — including U.S. Highway 95 — have still numerous stops.

Let us remind you the penalties are hefty.

For the first offense, a driver receives $250 to $500 in fines and four demerit points assessed against the driver’s license. A second offense within one year of the first offense triggers a fine of $250 to $500 and the driver’s license will be suspended for six months. A third offense or subsequent offense within a two-year period of the most recent offense results in a maximum of $1,000 in fines and a driver’s license suspension for up to one year.

The same requirements to stop for a school bus and the assessment of fines are the same in every corner of Nevada whether you’re traveling to Elko County for hunting season or Clark County because you want to rub shoulders with more humanity.

The Fallon Police Department, Churchill County Sheriff’s Office and NSP want motorists to slow down for the school zones. Also, motorists should note the permanent 15 mph on Venturacci Lane has been extended because of Oasis Academy’s new high school which opened several weeks ago.

To avoid the chance meeting with your favorite law enforcement officer, motorists must remember school has begun for the 2024-25 calendar. Their attention must focus on watching school buses when loading and discharging passengers and slowing down in school zones for the next nine months.

This website also provides additional information: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety

To recap:

• Be vigilant on the roadways, especially in the mornings and afternoon and pay attention to any red flashing school bus lights.

• In the city, watch for speed signs advising motorists to slow down because of schools.

• Pay attention so you don’t fork over an enormous fine because you failed to stop for flashing school bus lights.

This editorial is the viewpoint of the Lahontan Valley News.