WHAT DOES BACK TO SCHOOL MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR STUDENT?

Let’s talk about bus safety! As a personal injury lawyer, I have heard many stories about children getting hit by cars as they are trying to go to school. No child should be in danger as they ride the school bus. It is the job of the drivers to have extra caution when they see a school bus.

THREE LAWS YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW FOR BUS SAFETY

Here are the three LAWS drivers HAVE to follow to protect our children:

1. Yellow Flashers: Yellow flashers signals the driver is slowing down or preparing to stop.  Use caution. An eager child may dart into the street.
2. Stop Sign: If you are on a two-lane road and the stop sign is activated for a bus traveling in the opposite direction, stop for the bus. Some bus stops are on the opposite side of the road and children need to cross. Only if you are on a road that is physically divided—by a median or barrier, or by a left turn lane—can you lawfully proceed in the face of the signal.
3. Don’t EVER try to “beat the bus”: If you notice a bus is trying to slow down don’t try to quickly pass them before they come to a complete stop. If you see the yellow flashers you NEED to slow down and not try to speed up.

PARENTS SHOULD TEACH THEIR CHILDREN PROPER BUS SAFTEY

Parents should make sure that they are teaching their children about bus safety. It is essential that parents inform their children of the rules that the cars have to follow but teach them that the cars might not follow the rules. Teach your kids:

1. Wait for Cars to Stop: Tell your child that they should never cross the street unless the car has come to a complete stop. Don’t ever assume that a car is going to come to a complete stop. Always wait for them!
2. Wait for the Stop Sign on the Bus: Don’t start crossing the street or heading toward the bus until it has come to a complete stop AND the rest “stop” sign it out. You will know that everything is okay to go when the bus driver has opened up their doors.
3. Walk With the Other Children: When possible, walk along-side other children while crossing the street. Drivers will have an easier time seeing multiple children as opposed to one child sprinting across not paying attention.