When you see a school bus, be cautious at all times

As families prepare for another school year, the Wisconsin State Patrol reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention, to keep kids safe. Traffic patterns will change as school buses head back out on the roads; plan ahead and watch for pedestrians at all times.

The state patrol’s August Law of the Month, is school bus safety. Drivers and caregivers all have a role, in ensuring kids get to and from school safely.

“Kids count on their community to keep them safe, as they go to and from school,” said superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Their safety must be everyone’s top priority. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and eliminate distractions, and caregivers should talk with children about bus safety. We all have to work together and stay alert, to prevent tragedies.”

There are about 600 crashes involving school buses, every year, in Wisconsin.

School buses stop frequently and children can be unpredictable. Drivers need to use extra caution, when they see a yellow bus on the road. School buses are the only type of vehicle, with a specific color required by state law. The national school bus glossy yellow color allows for high visibility for other drivers on the roads.

The school bus loading and unloading area is the most dangerous for pedestrians, so always pay attention to a bus, when the stop arm is extended or warning lights are engaged. Also, watch for kids waiting at driveways, and those walking or biking to or from school.

Wisconsin law requires drivers to use extra caution around school buses, at the following times:

• Flashing red lights – Stop at least 20 feet away, in both directions from a bus, when red warning lights are flashing; the only exception is if a vehicle is traveling on the other side of a divided road.

• Flashing amber/yellow lights – Slow down when amber or yellow lights are flashing, which signal the bus is about to stop and red lights will soon be activated; drivers can pass a bus with amber lights activated, but should do so cautiously.

• Yield to pedestrians who have a walk signal or green light, or those who are crossing a road with no signals.

• Always follow directions from school crossing guards. When passed illegally, bus drivers are authorized to report violations to law enforcement. A citation for failure to stop for a school bus costs $326.

Caregivers should incorporate safety conversations into their family’s back-to-school plans. Talk with children about bus stop safety, and general walking or biking precautions.

Children should always do the following:

• Follow instructions from bus drivers and crossing guards.

• Play it SAFE – Stay at least five giant steps (at least 10 feet) away from the curb, when waiting for the bus; always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals to get on the bus. Face forward after finding a seat on the bus, exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars, before crossing a street.

• Never walk behind a bus; if a child must cross in front of a bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street, to a place at least 10 feet or five giant steps in front of the bus before crossing. Make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing, never stop to pick up an item, because the driver might not see them.

School buses are designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road and drivers receive special training to safely operate a bus. Drivers must pass the Commercial Driver License (CDL) exam, with a school bus endorsement. Some bus companies and school districts, also hold regular new driver and continuing education programs, to ensure safety rules are followed.

In addition, the Wisconsin State Patrol inspects every Wisconsin school bus annually, to ensure the vehicles are ready to safely transport children. They conduct about 10,000 inspections each year, evaluating a broad array of mechanical equipment, including steering components, brake systems, wheels, tires and structural components.

In addition, specially trained inspectors verify that all school bus-specific safety components, such as emergency exits, emergency lighting and stop arms, and other passenger safety items, are in place and in proper working order.