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Students have headed back to school for the 2024-25 year and so we remind -- or, perhaps, implore -- motorists to be mindful, aware and patient.
"Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped," the state's motor vehicle safety website cautions. "Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety."
The state Department of Transportation further notes that motorists are required to stop at least 10 feet away when behind the bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
The website for Grange Insurance further suggests motorists should be aware of the limitations school buses have -- particularly with stopping distances and visibility thats more limited than drivers of smaller cars and trucks. As always, motorists should not drive distracted -- not when on roadways, not when backing out of a driveway or pulling out of a parking spot.
The National Safety Council advises motorists not to block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn -- pedestrians need the crosswalk to keep a safe distance from moving traffic.
"Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign," the National Safety Council's website says. "Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way. Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians. Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way."
Of course it isn't enough to pay attention to school buses. Motorists must keep in mind children, particularly young children, waiting for buses or walking to school.
Parents can help motorists keep children safe as well. Send your children to school in brighter jackets and coats. Make sure children understand the crucial importance of looking both ways before crossing streets and of paying attention to the traffic around them.
PennDOT also advises parents to get to the school bus stop five minutes early, to avoid running across roads and streets, perhaps more carelessly, to catch the bus.
"Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so that the school bus driver can see you," PennDOT's website says. "Never cross the street behind the school bus."
"Back to school is an exciting time, and it's up to all of us to keep our roads safe," grangeinsurance.com says. "Whether you're in your neighborhood, on the road or in a school parking lot, driving with extra caution at peak times for school buses can help keep everyone safe."