CITY OF ATHENS WARNS TO NEVER PASS A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS WITH FLASHING RED LIGHTS
The City of Athens, Tennessee, shared a video highlighting a dangerous and illegal incident where a driver passed a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, just as children were preparing to board. This action violates traffic laws, as drivers must stop for any school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm when children are loading or unloading, regardless of which side of the road they are on—unless the road is a divided highway separated by a physical median.
The post emphasizes that children’s safety relies on motorists’ attention and adherence to these rules, noting that a brief pause of just a few seconds or less than a minute can prevent a tragic accident and a lifetime of regret. Flashing red lights serve as a critical warning that children are nearby and vulnerable. The city urges anyone with information about the driver in the video to contact the Athens TN Police Department to help ensure accountability and promote safer roads.
