Ohio’s children recently returned to school, and for many of those students the day begins and ends with a school bus ride.

While it is true that school buses remain the safest mode of travel on Ohio roadways, there are still several safety issues of which people should be aware. So safe is school bus transportation, that dating back to 1984, no children have died inside a school bus in Ohio as a result of a crash. In fact, statistics show students are actually at a greater risk standing outside a bus than riding in a bus.

Crashes involving school buses, however, can and do occur. In 1998, there were 2,074 school bus crashes in Ohio.

Motorists have a unique responsibility when school buses are on the road. That responsibility, and the special challenges and laws pertaining to safety, will be the impetus behind the Patrol’s efforts during School Bus Safety Week set for October 17-23.

If all safety laws are observed we can avoid suffering the tragedy of losing a child in a school bus-related mishap.

The important issues regarding school bus safety involves a commitment from motorists, parents, and children. Motorists must obey school bus warning lights, bus drivers must drive defensively, parents should help their children learn to ride safely, and children must be aware of the dangers that exist both inside and around a school bus.

The first stage of school bus safety actually occurs before the buses even roll off the parking lots.

State Patrol motor vehicle inspectors certify the safety of every school bus in Ohio at least twice every year, thereby ensuring the safety of every child who rides those buses during the school year.

The hard work and attention to detail from motor vehicle inspectors around the state is unquestionably paying off. Ohio’s impressive school bus safety record stands for itself. Each year in Ohio nearly 20,000 school buses transport 1.3 million students more than 178 million miles. That works out to nearly one million miles every school day.

School buses are specifically designed for the sole purpose of transporting children safely to and from school and school-related events.

Manufacturers construct buses to high standards and incorporate numerous safety features such as emergency exits, body strength and integrity, passenger seating, fuel system integrity, and easily recognizable school bus yellow markings and safety lighting.

Each of these important components are carefully examined by inspectors to make sure every bus is properly equipped for the safe transportation of children.

How can motorists do their part regarding school bus safety?

Paying particular attention and watching for school bus riding children is one of the best ways for assuring school bus safety.

Motorists backing out of driveways or leaving when exiting a garage should be on the lookout for walking or bicycling children who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Be on the lookout for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood, and for children arriving late for the bus and darting into the street without looking for traffic.

Also pay particular attention to children playing and congregating near bus stops.

Do you know the school bus flashing signal light system? Here’s a quick review.

Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. Stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before starting to drive.

What can parents do to ensure school bus riding children are safe?

Getting children to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive is the first step. Make sure children stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

Children should be taught to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay before stepping onto the bus.

Make sure children walk on the sidewalk or side of the road to a point at least five giant steps ahead of the bus before crossing the street.

Children should also be sure the bus driver can see them, and they can see the bus driver.

Parents should talk with children about being careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps, do not get caught in the handrails or doors when exiting the bus.

It is also important children know never to walk behind the bus, and instead walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus, and to not stop to pick up a dropped item near the bus because they may not be seen by the driver.

The Highway Patrol is committed to making the roadways in Ohio as safe to travel as possible. School bus safety is an important component associated with the larger topic of highway safety.

We can all help make the ride in the bus to and from school as safe as possible for our children, and make this a safe school year throughout Ohio.