RT>Excellent post Max... welcome to the echo.
RT>[BIG snip....]
RT>MC>The way I was trained, the only exception is that traffic in the
RT>  >oncoming lanes is not required to stop if there is a PHYSICAL MEDIAN
RT>  >separating the oncoming lanes from the side the bus is on.  (A point of
RT>  >controversy sometimes arises in the definition of a physical median.
RT>  >Some argue that a middle turning lane shared by traffic going in both
RT>  >directions is sufficient while others insist that a grassy median is 
he
RT>  >required minimum.  I guess it ultimately depends on what the opinion of
RT>  >the ticketing LEO and judge.)
RT>Between here in Eufaula and Dothan, Alabama, runs U.S. 431, a four-lane
RT>highway that is separated by a grassy median.  All along the way are
RT>signs stating, "All traffic, both directions, must stop while school
RT>busses load or unload children".  The laws here are very similar
RT>to what you describe in Texas and that grassy medians and turn lanes are
RT>NOT considered physical medians.
Interesting, Ron.  (BTW, you might get a warning over this
message....it's on topic. :-)  )  I had always considered a grassy
median to be sufficient to not require the stop.  This is so interesting
I think I will look up the Texas law.  Don't go away....I'm back. :-)
Here is the Texas law:
      (b) An operator on a highway having separate roadways is not
        required to stop:
        (1) for a school bus that is on a different roadway; or
        (2) if on a controlled-access highway, for a school bus
        that is stopped:
                (A) in a loading zone that is a part of or adjacent to
                the highway; and
                (B) where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the
                roadway.
From the top of my head, it would appear that a grassy median would
qualify if it were wide enough.  If I remember my training correctly,
and it was enough years ago I might not, we treated roadways divided by
grassy medians at least thirty feet wide as different roadways.  I
probably wouldn't write someone under those conditions (of course I have
only written one citation in the last couple of years).
As an aside, this is considered a serious offense in Texas.  Where most
traffic violations have a maximum fine of $200.00, this one has a
maximum fine of $1000.00 and a second violation can result in a
suspended drivers license.
Take care,
The Ole Sarge
 þ OLXWin 1.00b þ Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.
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