Stay safe while school buses get ready to hit the road

(KNSI) – With the new school year approaching, it is important for drivers and students to remember basic school bus safety rules.

Students will return to area public schools on September 3. Tami Spanier, owner of Spanier Bus Service, told KNSI News what's important on the first day: “First of all, be at your bus stop in the morning about five minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. We know that buses can be late at the beginning of the school year, but we always want you to be there five minutes early so you're waiting for the bus and the bus isn't waiting for you.”

She also advises children to remain seated and keep the noise level low so that they do not distract the driver.

Spanier reminds everyone commuting or traveling to do their part: “Be aware that the school buses are there. They will stop when you see the yellow flashing lights come on. Don't speed up to get through; prepare to stop. Yellow means prepare to stop. Red means stop until the stop arm and lights go out.”

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires drivers to maintain a safe distance of 20 feet from buses with their lights on on all non-divided roads. Anyone caught driving with their lights on faces a $500 fine and a mandatory court appearance. Many buses are equipped with cameras to catch traffic offenders.

One way to avoid school buses is to adjust the schedule so that they leave five minutes earlier or five minutes later than normal, simply to avoid them.

Students should be careful to avoid cars driving on the shoulder when getting off the bus. Wait until the bus driver signals that it is safe to cross the street. When crossing the street to board the bus or to go home, look drivers in the eye before crossing the street.

For more school bus safety tips, visit Click here.

___

Copyright 2024 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed or rewritten in any way without permission.