National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 22-26

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OHIO — The week of Oct. 22-26 has been designated National School Bus Safety Week. This year’s theme, “My Driver – My Safety Hero,” reminds motorists, students and school bus drivers the important role they each have in ensuring children’s safety.

Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a bus stops, flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus resumes traveling.

From 2015 to 2017, 4,198 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a stopped school bus in Ohio. During the same time, 4,036 traffic crashes involving school buses occurred.

“School buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “Along with the watchful eyes of our school bus drivers, the cooperation of motorists, parents and children will make this a safe school year in Ohio.”

The greatest risk to children is when they are outside the school bus. Students need to wait for the bus drivers signal to cross and walk where the bus driver can see them. Troopers will be highly visible next week along school bus routes and school zones to ensure the safety of students.

Submitted by

Ohio State Highway Patrol

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