School bus safety tips offered

Julie Wollermann
Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools
As schools reopen, it is important to remember school bus safety.
Across the US, a disturbing trend has emerged – motorists who fail to stop for school buses in loading zones have caused an Increase in fatalities.
Nearly half of the deaths across the nation that occurred near school buses were attributed to motorists who failed to stop for a school bus that had activated its red lights and stop arm.
To be safe, students should remember to always look both ways when crossing the street before or after boarding the school bus.
Never assume cars are going to stop for the flashing red lights of the school bus.
Drivers should be extra cautious as school resumes and remember these important safety rules:
1. On a two-lane road, traffic must stop in both directions when the red lights flash and a school bus’s stop signal is extended.
Use caution and be prepared to stop when the flashing lights are amber.
2. On a multiple-lane road, traffic traveling in the same direction of a school bus with flashing red lights and stop signal must stop behind the bus.
3. Be prepared for a sudden stop any time you are driving near a school bus.
4. School zone speed limits are generally 20 mph during school hours and when children are present
5. It is unlawful for drivers to talk on cell phones while driving in a school zone,
School will soon be back in session.
Let’s work together to keep our kids safe.
Talk to your student about school bus safety and remember to pay special attention to school buses and school bus stops when driving.