With more than a million residents, our roads are normally busy, but school buses add an extra layer of vehicles. While it may be tempting if you’re in a hurry, it is never OK to pass a school bus, speed through a school zone or ignore a crossing guard’s direction.
Driving Rules Near School Buses
Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses daily.
And if you drive, there’s no doubt you will encounter FCPS and private school buses. The rules are pretty simple if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights.
Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median. Please remember, it is considered reckless driving - a criminal offense - if you pass a stopped school bus unloading children. It is not worth getting to your destination a few seconds faster when you are risking the safety and lives of others.
School Zones and Speed Cameras
Pay attention to school zones, especially where they start and end. Those slower school zone speed limits are there for a reason. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. It’s important to add more time into your commuting schedule so you’re not in a rush and perhaps decide to pass a school bus or speed through a school zone.
This year, speed cameras were installed in eight school zones to improve pedestrian and road safety. Studies show that speed camera enforcement reduces traffic related injuries and accidents and ultimately save lives.
The cameras are only active when the school zone is in effect. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be fined based on an escalating fine structure that maxes out at $100.
School Zone Speed Cameras:
- Chesterbrook Elementary School: Kirby Road near the school (Dranesville District)
- Irving Middle School: Old Keene Mill Road near the school (Braddock District)
- Key Middle School: Franconia Road- near the school (Franconia District)
- London Towne Elementary School: Stone Road near the school (Sully District)
- Sleepy Hollow Elementary School: Sleepy Hollow Road near the school (Mason District)
- South County Middle School: Silverbrook Road near the school (Mt. Vernon District)
- Terraset Elementary School: Soapstone Drive near the school (Hunter Mill District)
- West Springfield High School: Rolling Road near the school (Springfield District)
An additional school zone speed camera near Oakton High School (Blake Lane near Sutton Road) and a work zone speed camera at Route 28 (near Old Mill Road) are forthcoming.
Crossing Guards
Heeding the whistles and waves of our dedicated crossing guards is yet another way you can ensure the safety of students. Pay attention in crossing guard zone areas as you drive.
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