National School Bus Safety week is upon us (Oct. 19 – Oct. 23). This year’s theme, “Be smart. Be seen. I wait in a safe place!” reminds us that children aren’t just at risk when boarding or exiting a bus; they must also stand in a safe, visible space when waiting for the bus to arrive.
Throughout the week, troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible, enforcing the law in and around school zones and following school buses on their daily routes. In addition, troopers may be found riding on school buses looking for motorists passing stopped school buses and other crash-causing violations.
“Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is loading or unloading passengers, children should not rely on them to do so,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street and remain alert to any sudden traffic changes.”
Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction should remember they are required to stop a least 10 feet back from buses displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. From 2012 through 2014, 4,059 motorists were cited for failing to stop for a school bus when it was loading or unloading children.
For a complete statistical breakdown of school bus inspections, crashes and passing stopped school bus violations, visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/School_Bus_Bulletin_2015.pdf
