The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Drive safely around school buses
National School Bus Safety Week runs from Oct. 16-20, according to a media release from the Ohio Highway Patrol.
This year’s theme is, “Stop on Red,” and is meant to remind drivers and students about the dangers outside of school buses, the release said.
Troopers will increase visibility on school bus routes and school zones, and will follow or ride on school buses to identify traffic violations, according to the release.
Any driver approaching a stopped school bus must remember to stop at least 10 feet away from the bus while it discharges or picks up children.
Bus drivers activate yellow warning lights before stopping to warn fellow drivers, and will turn on red flashing lights and a retractable stop sign while it is stopped, the release said.
Drivers should remain especially vigilant around a stopped school bus, whether flashing lights are displayed or not, the release said.
Only motorists traveling the same direction as a school bus must stop on a road divided into four or more lanes.
Children are at the greatest risk when outside of the school bus, according to the release.
Students need to cross where the bus driver can see them, wait for the driver’s signal to cross and also watch out for traffic, the release said.
Injuries and fatalities can occur when drivers attempt to pass a school bus.
“School buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school,” Col. Paul A. Pride, patrol superintendent, said in the release. “With the cooperation of motorists, parents and children and public awareness, we can make this a safe school year throughout Ohio.”
The release said 4,160 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a stopped school bus and 3,958 crashes were reported involving school buses from 2014 to 2016.
The release also advises drivers to use caution while driving around school buses or in school zones and to be prepared to stop quickly and remain aware of their surroundings.