LAPS NEWS

The first day of the new school year is Thursday which means that drivers will not only be heading to work, but parents will be dropping off students at school, and high school students will be behind the wheel driving themselves to school. School buses will also be sharing the road with commuters as students return to in person learning.  The Los Alamos Public School District would like to remind drivers in Los Alamos and White Rock to exercise caution when it comes to school buses, bus stops and the students who ride those buses, as well as inform the community about the law regarding school buses. 

LAPS Director of Transportation Keith Rosenbaum wants to remind drivers of school bus safety rules.

• First, drive slowly and look for children waiting at the bus stop, walking or riding their bicycles to school. 
• Second, know what the flashing lights indicate. A red flashing light with the extended stop arm means traffic is required to stop, even in both directions of a two-lane road. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so proceed with caution. 
• Be careful when pulling up to a bus stop because children might be running out to the bus. 
• Finally, follow all school zone speed limits, look for students in crosswalks and never pass a bus on the outside of a turn. 

“We want to do everything we can to ensure the safety of students on or near the school bus. Once students start to walk away from the bus, it is essential that the public stop when the lights are flashing and the stop arm is out to ensure the safety of our students,” said Rosenbaum. 

Bus routes are posted on the transportation website at https://laschools.net/transportation/ All students eligible to ride the school bus must complete the required bus card. 

If you have any questions about school bus stops or school bus safety, please contact the Transportation Department at 663-2255.