MADISON – Wisconsin school buses will begin using an eight-light system beginning August 16, thanks to a law that was passed earlier this year.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Section 108, added four additional warning lights to school buses in 1968. The additional lamps are amber in color and inboard of the red warning lights; intended to signal an upcoming stop to drivers and overridden by the red lights and stop sign as the entry door is opened. Many states adopted the eight-light system during the 1970s and 1980s. Wisconsin was the single remaining state to adopt this safety feature, which now goes into effect on August 16.
Most buses in Wisconsin will be switched to this new light system, depending on the model year of the school bus. The 8-light system incorporates the use of amber lights. The amber lights will flash before the red lights as a ‘Warning’ that the bus is preparing to stop, similar to a traffic light. The additional lights alert vehicles traveling around a school bus that they should prepare to stop.
Wisconsin DOT has prepared a video to demonstrate how the light system works and gives additional information. The video can be found on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIpXv7ChbKk. The link is also on the WSBA website: www.wi-sba.org as well as the association Facebook page.
As Wisconsin prepares for another school year, Watch for School Buses with amber and red lights flashing. They are preparing to stop or are Stopped! It’s against the law to not stop for a school bus, but more importantly, our children are counting on You for their safety in getting to school and home!
For more information contact the WSBA office, any local bus contracting company, or school district.
