As fall approaches, it is the time of year when we see more young people in crosswalks and more buses on the road. Research from the National Safety Council indicates that most children who are victims of bus related fatalities are 4 to 7 years old, on foot, and struck by either a bus or a vehicle passing a bus. Remember these precautions to keep this a safe back-to-school season:
Pay attention to school zones, obeying reduced speeds and yielding when lights are flashing.
Watch for school traffic officers who may be directing traffic near schools.
Be aware of children who may run into the road near schools, parks, and in residential areas.
Remember – children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore rules and take risks.
Regarding school bus regulations in Kentucky, the AAA Digest of Motor Laws says:
“If any school or church bus is stopped and has a stop arm and signal lights activated, any vehicle approaching from any direction must stop and may not proceed until the bus has been put into motion. This rule does not apply when approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of 4 or more lanes.
School buses, loaded or unloaded, cannot turn right on red in Kentucky or left on red where two one way streets intersect.”
Finally, keep in mind to stop far enough behind school buses to allow children room to safely enter and exit the bus. 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous area for kids.
