WCSO Advisory: School is back in session – Pay attention while driving

With summer over and school back in session drivers should be extra cautious, especially in school zones and where kids are getting on or off the bus. Parents, whether your student is walking to school or riding the bus remind them to be safe. Below are a few tips for drivers, parents, and students.

School Bus Safety Tips For Drivers:

• Keep your head up and the phone down
• Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing
• Stop at least 20 feet away for buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway
• Slow down in or near school and residential areas
• Look for clues – such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate children might be in the area
• Watch for children between parked cars and other objects

School Buses Are Like Traffic Signals:

• When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
• When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop
• When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

School Bus Safety Tips For Students:

• Always stay in sight of the bus driver
• Don’t hurry off the bus; check traffic first
• Don’t go back to the bus after exiting
• Always use crosswalks when available
• Look both ways before crossing
• Keep your head up and the phone down

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by Fritz Swanson

Fritz Swanson has written for The Believer, the Christian Science Monitor, Print Magazine, McSweeney's, Esopus, LSA Magazine, and The Mid-American Review. He serves as a trustee on the Manchester District Library Board. He's the designer and publisher of The Manchester Mirror.

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