There is Nothing Correct About Passing a School Bus on the Right

July 12, 2011

What goes a person’s mind when they decide that it is all right to pass a school bus? Now ask yourself, what would make them think its OK to take an off-road course to do the same?

A recent study by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) painted a picture of illegal passing that too many within the industry have already seen, including yours truly. But there was one fact that, although minor compared to the other statistics, was still frightening when considering the possible outcome. Of the 37,756 total stop arm passing incidents that were reported in the state director survey, a little more than 3 percent occurred on the right side of the bus.

On the right side? How does this even happen? What progression of thoughts could lead someone to decide to pass a stopped school bus (already a moving infraction) on the side from which students load and unload? Just ask Robert Pritsker of Weston, Conn. After losing his patience while waiting for students to board their buses at the end of the school day, Pritsker decided it would be better to pull his car onto the sidewalk to make his was around those “pesky” school buses. Luckily, the district buses were able to videotape Pritsker’s off-roading adventure.

Hopefully NASDPTS’ study will open a few more eyes to the issue before we read another news article on a death caused by this dangerous practice.