As students, parents and teachers are all gearing up for the start of another school year, it is a good time to remember to keep an eye out for students walking to and from school and students getting on and off school buses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are generally one of the safest vehicles on the road; however, the risk is greatest when children are approaching or leaving a school bus.
Keep in mind these simple rules:
- A school bus’s flashing yellow lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop, meaning drivers should slow down.
- Red flashing lights mean stop. Students are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving.
- Be ready to stop for school buses as they stop frequently.
- Watch and stop for children who cross in front of the bus when the bus is stopped.
- Be aware that school buses stop at all railroad crossings as required by law.