Don't Cut in Front of That D.C. Bus

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WHEN WORD STARTED to spread about a new D.C. traffic regulation affecting how motorists pass stopped buses, there was some confusion. Initially, there were concerns that the Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006 — sponsored by At-Large Council member David Catania — would impose school-bus style restrictions on Metrobuses. And for this writer, that sparked visions of peeved commuters in four lanes of outbound rush-hour traffic on Connecticut Avenue stuck behind an L2 bus.

But according to The Post's Get There blog, the regulation only affects drivers who pass stopped buses in order to make a right turn as passengers are getting on and off at bus stops. So breathe easy. Officials are in the process of affixing signs to the back of Metrobuses for all to see. The question is whether drivers — or the MPD — will care.

As one Get There commenter said:

Great, another traffic law that DC cops won't even consider enforcing. That cellphone law really stopped people from talking on their cells while driving, hasn't it?

» "Police to Begin Enforcement of New Law Designed to Protect Pedestrians Around Buses in D.C." [MPD]
» "Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006" [D.C. Council]