School Bus Safety: Tips for Parents & Children

With school now in session, I wanted to remind all drivers in our communities to be extra cautious on our public roadways.

With thousands of children being transported to and from school either by school bus or a parent every day, remember, when school is in session drivers should be sure to drive with EXTRA caution.

Below are a few tips motorists should obey while traveling along our local streets:

1. Watch for children traveling to school when driving through local neighborhoods with school zones. Drive SLOWLY.
2. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. In addition, be on the lookout for children playing and gathering near school bus stops.
3. State law prohibits vehicles from passing a school bus while its lights are flashing.
4. Many busses are now equipped with cameras to record those individuals who fail to comply with this law. Always observe the no-passing law and expect the unexpected while traveling near school buses in school driveways.

Here are a few tips you can share with your children:

1. Be waiting at your bus stop at least five minutes ahead of the scheduled pick up time.
2. Wait approximately 10 feet back from the road.
3. Try and wear clothing with colors that can easily be spotted by motorists.
4. Always wait until the bus driver tells you to cross the street before you actually do. That way you can be sure that he/she has safely verified that no motorists are coming. If you drop something in the road leave it. If it is important, make sure the bus driver knows you are about to bend down and possibly disappear from his/her sight.
5. If an important item ends up underneath the bus leave it alone.
6. Do not retrieve it unless the bus driver gives you permission to do so. When it’s time to board the bus, do so quickly and safely.