Follow the law: Stop for School Buses

With public school starting in Marion County, West Virginia, today and with other local school districts already in session, there are a few things that drivers need to be aware of and take extra caution towards to ensure the safety of bus drivers and school children. While school buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing injuries when involved in a crash, it is important that drivers stop for school buses to ensure a child’s safety when getting off the bus. Here are a few things to keep in mind as our kids go back to school:

1. Be alert: It’s always important to be alert while driving, but during the school year, one needs to be extra cautious. Children are sometimes unpredictable and have yet to learn the rules of the road. They may not always look twice which makes it even more important that you make sure to do so.

2. Obey Traffic Signs: School zones will always be marked with a traffic sign and during school hours, there is more than often a blinking light to warn motorists they need to be more cautious. Traffic speed is to be reduced while in a school zone and fines for not obeying these traffic laws will be greater than they would be for a normal speeding ticket.

3. Share the Road: Never pass a bus when they are stopped in the road because there is a chance they are stopped to unload children who will need to cross. If the lights and/or arm is extended from a bus in front of you, you must stop. Not doing so could result in traffic fines or injury.

4. Eliminate Distractions: Distracted driving is one of the top causes of motor vehicle related accidents. While it is always important to minimize distractions while driving, it is even more important to do so while driving behind a school zone or school bus. According to the NHTSA, taking your eyes off the road for only two seconds can double your chances of being involved in an accident. Drivers can reduce this risk by eliminating distractions such as talking on a cell phone or eating while driving.