Here In Bismarck – What’s The Right Call In This Situation?

Let me set up what took place earlier this winter in Bismarck

I wasn't running late to work or anything like that, but there was a situation where I may have had a complete lack of judgment. On a neighborhood side street, one way in each direction, I came across a school bus that had pulled off to the right. Now I knew well enough that there were kids in there, so I slowed almost to a stop as I got close. It was here that the moment came about.

The yellow lights of the school bus began flashing and for a split-second, I told myself I could proceed with caution...

...I mean, after all, I clearly read what was written on the back - "Unlawful to pass when RED LIGHTS are flashing" - but they weren't. At this point, I had about 2 or 3 cars come up behind me. I promise my intentions were not because I was impatient or anything like that - but at that moment I honestly thought it was okay to slowly pass on by - but here is the thing, I looked behind me and none of the other cars moved. I felt bad about it all day and wanted to know what the traffic rules really were about that situation.

I may have been in the right, but my conscience tells me I should have waited

Here is what I found - according to driversprep.com "...When amber lights begin flashing on top of a school bus, they mean that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop. You must proceed with caution and watch for children by the side of the road" Everyone at work that I ran this by all agreed that they would have stopped, regardless of what yellow indicates. It only takes a few more seconds out of your day to MAKE ABSOLUTE SURE that no child tries to run across the street in front of you. I can tell you without a doubt, that I learned a lesson this morning.