Yield To Bus Lights Designed To Improve Safety On Roads

DENVER (CBS4)- RTD is teaming up with law enforcement agencies to make sure drivers know they need to yield to buses pulling away from the curb.

RTD is putting "Yield to Bus" lights on its vehicles. Those lights start flashing as the bus pulls away from the curb. The hope is to improve traffic safety and traffic flow.

"The key is to just be aware of the surroundings and make sure that when an RTD bus is pulled to the side, and you see the yield sign come on, and their turn signal come on, that you allow them space to move over into the lane and continue on their route," said Colorado State Trooper Lt. Col. Scott Hernandez.

Failing to yield could cost drivers anywhere from a $15 to $100 ticket.

The State Patrol said there were 437 accidents involving buses of all kinds in 2008 and 2009. That's 12 percent of commercial vehicle accidents in those years.