After what seems like too long, school busses are back on the road. And while their slower speed and many stops might slow up your morning commute, they are a vital part of the school day. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, students are seventy times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here are some important reminders in sharing the road with school busses:
- Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – it is illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children.
- If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
- Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
Add a smile and a wave to your neighborhood bus driver, after all they are carrying precious cargo.