MOUNT VERNON — “Stop on Red, Kids Ahead.” That is this year’s theme for National School Bus Safety Week, sponsored by the National Association for Pupil Transportation. Traditionally the third full week in October, School Bus Safety Week is observed to remind students and motorists to follow bus safety guidelines because nothing is more precious than a child’s life.
School bus safety is a team effort, and motorists, parents and students all have their roles to play in making sure that school buses remain the safest mode of travel on Ohio roadways.
Drivers are reminded that the law requires they stop when school buses are loading and unloading students and are not permitted to pass a school bus when the flashing lights are on.
Diane Zolman, transportation secretary for the Mount Vernon City Schools, said most motorists obey the flashing lights, but a handful do not.
“We probably have drivers run our lights at least once a week,” she said. Non-compliance occurs more in certain areas than others, she continued. “Particularly on Coshocton Avenue at the apartment complex across from McDonald’s. Many of the drivers who don’t stop are coming from behind the bus. It’s a three lane there; drivers approaching from the opposite direction don’t have to stop, but those behind the bus do. Some will come from behind and go around the bus, and if one goes, sometimes several follow.”
Bus drivers will report the license plate number of any vehicle that fails to comply with the law, and an investigation will be conducted by law enforcement personnel. Lt. Chad McGinty of the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the troopers are out in force this week to make sure motorists are following bus safety regulations.
In Ohio, an eight-light school bus warning system is used. These lights are located on the front and rear of the bus near the top where you see the school bus sign. The alternating flashing yellow lights mean caution to other motorists because the bus is preparing to stop. The flashing red lights and stop arm mean stop.
•Do not pass a school bus that has red alternating flashing lights on. This is the signal that the bus is stopped to load or unload children. Motorists approaching from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus until the bus resumes motion. If a school bus is stopped on a road divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Traffic should not move until the bus resumes motion or the driver signals traffic to proceed.
•When a bus has alternating flashing amber lights on, it is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should be ready to stop and watch for children in the roadway.
Parents have a very important role in keeping their children safe on the school bus and need to remind their children of the rules and help them understand why each rule is important.
•The loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” The “Danger Zone” is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver (10 feet in front of the bus where the driver may be too high to see a child, 10 feet on either side of the bus where a child may be in the driver’s blind spot, and the area behind the bus). Parents can help by making sure their children are dressed in light-colored clothing or jackets on dark mornings and by reminding children to wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front of the bus.
A note to parents from the National Association for Pupil Transportation: Be especially aware that backpack straps and strings on jackets and clothing should be kept short and close to children’s bodies so they cannot get caught on bus handrails and between the doors.
•Parents can also help by making sure the children are ready at the bus stop before the bus arrives, and by taking turns supervising younger children.
•In addition, it is important that children be taught to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver indicates it is clear before stepping onto the bus. Children should never walk behind a bus. In addition, they should stay at least five steps away from the side and front of the bus.
Other things children should know about school bus safety:
•If something falls under or near the bus, tell the driver. Never try to pick it up yourself.
•While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.
•When you get on or off the bus, look for the bus safety lights and make sure they are flashing.
•Be alert to traffic. When you get on or off the bus, look left, right, left before you enter or cross the street.
•When the driver says it is safe to cross the street, remember to cross in front of the bus.
•Stay in your seat and sit quietly so that the driver is not distracted.
Bus drivers are an important factor in bus safety. Those in Knox County receive training every year on a variety of safety issues with their buses and have to maintain certification to keep driving. County superintendent Dave Southward said, “School bus drivers in Knox County are to be commended on their safety records and their daily efforts to get children to school safely every day of the school year.”
Also, to make sure the buses themselves area safe and road worthy, the highway patrol inspects all Ohio school buses at least twice per year, once prior to the start of school and once during the year.
