Published: August 09, 2008 02:23 pm      

Drivers Be Aware - It's back to school time!

Transportation Cabinet urges drivers to be cautious and watch for buses

August 9, 2008 — Within the next two weeks, students throughout northeast Kentucky will return to school.

Buses also will return – to roadways – and the Transportation Cabinet wants to remind motorists to share the road safely this “back to school” season.

Paying attention behind the wheel and allowing yourself extra time to get to work or other destinations are two important steps. Other tips for drivers include:

• State law requires all traffic, both oncoming and following, to stop for a school bus loading or unloading passengers when the bus’ stop sign is extended and its red flashers are on. The only exception is for four-lane divided highways, where oncoming traffic is not required to stop. Modern school buses are also equipped with yellow flashers that serve to warn following or oncoming drivers that a stop is imminent.

• Remember that school bus routes and stops can change from time to time. The Transportation Cabinet places some signs alerting drivers to the location of school bus stops along state-maintained highways, but not all stops are marked.

• Students who live in urban areas and walk or bike to school should use caution, and cross streets only at designated crosswalks. Although pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, they should always look both ways before crossing a highway, even at crosswalks controlled by traffic lights.

Parents, here are some tips you share with your children on “back to school” traffic safety before, during and after the bus stop:

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.

• Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches.

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.

• Once on the bus, find a seat, sit down, and talk quietly. Yelling or other noises can distract the bus driver.

• Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window; and keep the aisles clear.

• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit.

• When getting off a bus, if you have to cross the street in front of it, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver.

• Make sure the bus driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.

• When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

• Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street. Continue to look in this manner until you are safely across.

• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.