COLUMBUS – As part of National School Bus Safety Week, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to "Stay Back, Stay Back from the Yellow & Black." National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 19-25.

“In the first three months of 2003 alone, five crashes involving school buses and vehicles resulted in five motorist fatalities in Ohio,” Colonel Paul McClellan, Patrol superintendent said. “Allowing ample space between your vehicle and a school bus will help to keep children safe and avoid crashes.”

In 2002, there were 2,538 school bus crashes in Ohio. The Patrol believes while there was a 7.2 percent decrease in bus crashes from 2001, there are still too many incidents placing Ohio’s children at risk.

Motorists can do their part by starting to think about school bus safety the moment the vehicle is started. When backing out of a garage or driveway, they should watch for children walking to the school bus.

In addition, it is important children be taught to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver indicates it is clear before stepping onto the bus. Children should never walk behind a bus and should stay at least ten steps away from the side and front of the bus.

The Patrol's Motor Vehicle Inspection Teams inspect all Ohio school buses at least twice each year, once prior to the beginning of the school year and once during the school year.

The theme for this year's National School Bus Safety Week is "Stay Back, Stay Back from the Yellow & Black." For additional information on National School Bus Safety Week, please visit the National Association for Pupil Transportation Web site at napt.org.

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