Schools

Back to School: Bus Safety

All of the district's buses passed inspection. Read on to see some important safety tips about sharing the road with school buses.

Starting today, it'll be the norm to see the big yellow schools buses rolling around Stow.

It's important to not only , but how to share the road with the buses.

"We work together with school bus drivers in enforcement even when we are not physically present to see a violation," said Police Lt. Anne Stirm. "The [bus] driver, upon seeing a violation, will complete a report which lists the date and time of the violation, the location, vehicle description, operator description and license plate. Once we receive this information, we send a letter to the owner of the vehicle which serves as a soft reminder to the driver to be aware that his or her actions may have tragic consequences."

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It's important to be cautious around a school bus because "children are young and sometimes impulsive," said Stirm.

A driver cannot always expect children to exit a bus properly.

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"Always expect the unexpected and be sure all children have exited and crossed safely before proceeding with caution," she said.

The state is also making the roadways safe for student and motorists by inspecting every school bus. 

Transportation Supervisor John Daymon said all of Stow's buses passed motor vehicle inspections by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Across Ohio the patrol has 23 teams of motor vehicle inspectors who inspect all Ohio school buses at least twice each year; once prior to the beginning of the school year and once during theschool year. During 2008 through 2010, that equated to 140,179 inspections in Ohio.

School bus safety is more than just the inspections to the patrol.

Here is some information provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol:

  • Motorists approaching a school bus from either direction should remember they are required to stop a least 10 feet back from buses displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm.
  • From 2008 through 2010, 4,438 motorists were cited for failing to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children. 
  • “Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload passengers, children should not rely on them to do so,” said Col. John Born, patrol superintendent. “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street and remain alert to any sudden traffic changes.” 
  • Motorists need to plan ahead and allow extra time for these school bus stops. Motorists are urged to exercise patience and never pass a stopped school bus. 
  • Motorists need to watch out for children walking to and from the bus stop when they are backing out of a garage or driveway. 

"With everyone’s extra attention we can make this a safe year for school bus travel," said Born.

  • For a statistical map regarding school bus safety and a county-by-county breakdown of citations for failing to stop for a school bus, click here.


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