MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016
It's that time of year again when schools are starting up and kid's are everwhere. As a driver, it is important to be on the lookout for young pedestrians, especially before and after school.
According to research by the National Safety Council, one of the biggest causes of bus-related incidents causing death, are pedestrian children 4-7 years of age, who are struck by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus.
A few safety tips to keep in mind:
• Do not ever pass a bus from behind if it is stopped to load or unload children. Do not pass from either direction if it is an undivided road. It is illegal in all 50 states
pass a bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the bus has its yellow or red lights flashing and the stop arm is extended, all traffic must stop.
• Be alert; children are often unpredictable and they may ignore or be unaware of hazards.
• Give plenty of space for the children to safely enter and exit the bus; a 10 foot area is a good rule of thumb.