Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

The sight of yellow school buses in our neighborhoods, and kids heading back to school, are sure signs summer is about over. Another sign summer is almost over is the upcoming Labor Day weekend. For many Ohio families, Labor Day is one final chance to get away for a fun weekend.

Bearing all this mind, I thought it best this month to cover some basic driving tips to make sure we have a safe Labor Day weekend on Ohio roads. I also want to remind motorists of some things to consider now that school buses are again part of our morning and afternoon commutes.

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.

As a motorist, one of the best ways to help with school bus safety is simply by paying particular attention and watching for school bus riding children. This attention should start even before backing out of a garage or driveway. Many times walking or bicycling children are paying more attention to getting to school, and less attention to their personal safety. Often times children arriving late for the bus will dart into the street without looking for traffic. Be on the lookout for these scenarios, and also pay particular attention to children playing and congregating near bus stops.

Motorists have a responsibility when school buses are on the road to know the what the yellow and red flashing lights on the bus mean.

Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists must slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms on a school bus indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop signs are withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before starting to drive.

Motorists approaching from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus until the bus resumes motion. If a school bus is stopped on a roadway divided into four or more lanes, only traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Manufacturers construct school 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. The Ohio State Highway Patrol takes great pride ensuring all school buses are road safe by inspecting and certifying the safety of every school bus in Ohio at least twice during each school year. Each bus must pass a mandatory inspection prior to the start of the school year, and pass a random inspection sometime during the academic year. Failure to pass any inspection means that particular school bus is not permitted to transport children to and from school or school-related functions until the problems are corrected, and the bus passes a re-inspection.

Parents too have a responsibility when it comes to school bus safety. Most importantly they can help prevent problems by doing simple things like getting children to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive, making sure children stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, and line up away from the street. Parents should also teach children to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver gives permission before stepping onto the bus.

Children should also be sure the bus driver can see them and they can see the bus driver. Children should also know they should never walk behind the bus. Instead, walking at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus and to not stopping to pick up a dropped item near the bus, are important ways to stay safe.

I want to just briefly discuss the upcoming Labor Day weekend. This holiday weekend is historically one of the deadliest weekends of the year on Ohio roadways. Just last year 20 people were killed over the Labor Day weekend in traffic crashes, and seven of those people who had safety belts available were not buckled up at the time of the crash.

I cannot emphasize this point enough - wearing a safety belt is the best defense against serious injury or death in a motor vehicle crash. Protect yourself this holiday weekend, and always, by wearing a safety belt, and make sure children are restrained in a properly installed child safety seat. Remember, the choice to wear a safety belt can save a life--maybe someone you know--maybe even you.

Highway Patrol troopers want to make this a safe holiday weekend and school year across Ohio. Join us in making this goal become a reality.