School’s about to start, so drivers need to be alert
Summer is drawing to a close, and starting next week, students in Butler County will be heading back to school.
That makes it more important than ever for drivers to be alert for children crossing the street and watch for school buses.
A bus is the safest way for children to travel to and from school, in part because of how highly regulated school buses are, according to Safe Kids Pennsylvania.
“The greatest risk to a child is around approaching or leaving a bus, rather than riding on it,” the organization’s website reads. “School bus safety is a place where road safety meets pedestrian safety, and we must all be aware of the rules of the road to protect our vulnerable populations.”
In Pennsylvania, drivers have to stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus that has its flashing red lights on and its stop arm extended.
And according to the National Safety Council, most children who are killed in bus-related incidents are between 4 and 7 years old and are hit either by the bus or by a driver illegally passing a stopped bus.
The safety council offers some basic tips for keeping young people safe when they’re getting on or off the bus.
— Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
— In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
— Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
— Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
— Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
The start of the school year is an exciting time. It’s important for drivers to stay alert and aware and keep our students safe.
— JK
