School Bus Safety

Whenever I’m late for an early morning appointment somewhere, it happens. I get stuck behind a big yellow school bus that seems to be going exactly where I am and stops at every other house. 

This week the Brecksville-Broadview Heights city schools are back in session. And that means that the big yellow buses will be back on the roads. The Ohio Department of Transportation says it’s up to drivers to know the law when it comes to school bus safety. 

They offer some safety tips for drivers on their website including:

• Obey speed limits.
• Be watchful for kids gathered at bus stops or kids running to cross the street to catch the bus. 
• Stop for a bus with red flashing lights, regardless of the direction in which you are going, and never pass a stopped school bus unless directed to do so by the driver.  
• Be aware of children walking or biking on the side of a road, especially if there are no sidewalks. 
• Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic and drivers should make it a point to be aware of them and share the road.
• Pass with care. Drivers should pass bicyclists carefully and maintain a three-foot clearance when passing. 

The website for the says that they promote school bus safety  by showing all elementary students a safety video about crossing the street, getting on and off the bus and safe bicycle riding. They also provide bus drivers with continuing education on topics such as first aid and dealing with student behavior. The website also says that the school buses are inspected annually by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and they are inspected daily by each bus driver in the district.

 And for children who ride the bus, the Ohio Department of Education has a fun and informative downloadable booklet on their website, which reminds riders of important safety tips like:

• Don’t play around at the bus stop.
• Stand far away from the street while waiting for the bus.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, leave it there and tell an adult.
• Use the handrails when getting on and off of the bus.
• Always obey the bus driver.

Motorists should also remember to allow a little extra time to get to the office, in case they get stuck behind a bus on the way to work.