School is back: Watch for 'precious cargo'

It’s about that time to start seeing school buses driving around the counties and picking up our “precious cargo,” our children.

It seems that every year we get inundated with phone calls regarding when motorist should stop for school buses. The easiest way to remember this is to tell yourself that if you can count four or more lanes then I don’t need to stop (if the bus is coming towards you).

Basically, two lanes going one way and two lanes going another equals a four-lane road. If you are on a two-lane road (one lane in one direction and another lane going another), then you have to stop.

Finally, if you are going in the same direction as the school bus, you have to stop if the bus stops. The bus will not let children off and allow then to cross a four-lane roadway.

As parents, we all want our children to go to school, but we get aggravated when we get stuck behind the school bus on the way to work. We are asking motorist to leave 15-20 minutes early for work, especially when school is in. You have to remember that bus drivers are learning their routes and school children are getting accustomed to their new bus stops.

Motorists should also observe the following traffic safety rules:

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking to the bus stop or walking or bicycling to school.

• When driving in neighborhoods and especially in school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.

• Be alert and ready to stop. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Because getting on and off the bus is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride, the loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” This area — which extends 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on each side of the bus, and behind the bus — is where children are at greatest risk of not being seen by the bus driver. Throughout the year, especially at the start of school, children need to be taught how to get on and off the school bus safely.

Parents should help their children learn and follow these common-sense practices:

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Running to catch the bus is dangerous and can lead to injuries.

• When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.

• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the road to a point at least five giant steps ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you and you can see the bus driver when crossing the street. Stop at the edge of the bus and look left-right-left before crossing.

• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When getting off the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags and backpacks with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or door.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• Walk at least five giant steps away from the side of the bus.

• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up, because the driver might not be able to see you.

I want to wish your children the “best of luck” with this school year. Remember kids, study hard, respect you parents, respect your teachers and reach for the stars. Every one of you can be whatever you can be, but you have to apply yourself.

If you would like a trooper to speak at your school, business, civic group, and church or for more information, please visit our website at www.SCHP.org.

Until next time, don’t be ejected from life. Buckle up.