Stop signs and red flashing lights...

**ATTENTION: Rant ahead.**

This morning, on my way to work, I was stopped at the corner of Blackman & Edmonsen Pike. As I looked ahead through the intersection, I saw five or six kids waiting for the bus. Just then the school bus pulled up, turned on the red flashing lights and activated the bus stop sign. To my disbelief, I saw at least three cars obliviously blow by the school bus and the kids getting on it.

No... they didn't even tap their brakes and pretend to slow down. I would like to believe that they are just unaware that what they did was ILLEGAL and putting children in danger... but I'm having a hard time with that. What I really think is that they weren't thinking of anyone but themselves and how they were late for work, or talking on the phone or putting on their make-up...blah, blah, blah. Whatever the excuse, I don't buy it.

People... please... just take the time to think about the other guy when you are driving. Use some common sense before someone (like an innocent child getting on the bus) gets hurt. They don't put these laws in place just to give the cops something to do... kids have gotten killed and/or hurt because we're too caught up in ourselves to notice a GIGANTIC yellow school bus loading kids. It's not worth it... and once the damage is done, you can't make it right.

I'm sure most of you know how to navigate around a bus and understand the consequences of failing to follow the rules, but just in case, per the state of Tennessee, here is the rule:

"Never pass a stopped school bus. Not only is passing a stopped school bus dangerous, it's against the law. All drivers must come to a full and complete stop until the bus driver deactivates the warning lights and stop sign arm. "

OK.
Get it?
Got it?
GOOD.

Now... be sure to remind your fellow driver.
Thanks for reading.

**END of rant.**