NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds children and motorists that National School Bus Safety Week runs Oct. 18 through 24.

This year’s theme, “Avoid Harm, Obey The Stop Arm,” reminds motorists that they are required to stop for stopped school buses that are displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. When buses are stopped, kids are either getting on or off the school bus and motorists need to pay extra attention to children crossing the roadways. 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.

While school buses remain the safest mode of travel on Ohio roadways, school bus crashes do occur. In 2008, there were eight crashes resulting in motorist fatalities and a total of 1,751crashes involving school buses around Ohio.

Throughout the entire school year, there are special concerns that need to be considered when sharing the roads with school buses.

Motorists can do their part by starting to think about school bus safety the moment the car is started. When backing out of a garage or driveway, watch for children walking to the school bus. Many times children who are walking or riding their bicycle are paying more attention to getting to school and less attention to their personal safety.

With the cooperation of motorists, parents, and children, we can all help make the bus ride to and from school as safe as possible for our children, and make this a safe school year throughout Ohio.

For additional information on National School Bus Safety Week, visit the National Association for Pupil Transportation Web site at www.napt.org.