by Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Columnist
Question: With school starting up again, could you please give some advice on school bus safety?
Answer: I’d be glad to. I feel this is one of the most important topics when it comes to traffic safety because this pertains directly to the world’s most precious cargo – children.
Parents should discuss and demonstrate pedestrian safety with their children and reinforce safe crossing after exiting a bus:
– When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road).
– Before crossing the street, take five “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen.
– Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
– Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.
School Bus Safety Tips for Motorists
– Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm is extended when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.
– Red flashing lights on buses indicates students are either entering or exiting the bus.
– Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.
– Altering a route or schedule to avoid a bus is one way motorists can help improve safety. In doing so, motorists won’t find themselves behind a bus and as a result, potentially putting children at risk.
– Watch for school crossing patrols and pedestrians. Reduce speeds in and around school zones.
– Watch and stop for pedestrians — the law applies to all street corners, for both marked and unmarked crosswalks (all street corners) — every corner is a crosswalk.
In Minnesota, school buses make at least 10,000 school bus trips daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children — children are eight times safer riding in a bus to school than any other vehicles. The most important this to remember whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian: PAY ATTENTION!
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)