Highway Patrol, other experts offer school bus safety tips
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) in 2004 occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out.
"Last year, Missouri experienced 1,318 traffic crashes involving school buses. In those crashes 773 drivers and passengers of the school buses were injured," said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Patrol. "All of us are responsible for keeping children safe. I encourage drivers to stay alert at all times, but especially in areas where schoolchildren are traveling to and from Missouri's schools."
Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus.
However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus.
From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
The greatest risk is not when riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus.
Drivers should be observant when backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, and when driving in neighborhoods with school zones.
Watch for children walking in the street and congregating near bus stops.
Be alert. Children may dart into the street with out looking for traffic.
Remember that yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Children should get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus.
When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet)away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross.
Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and that you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoids falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver.