Use the handrails whenever go up or get down the bus

It is back to school time for the children. It is also the time to be extra-alert. Motorists used to having no children on the streets the past months will have to make adjustments in their driving patterns.

The days are getting shorter, making it difficult to spot bicyclists and children on the streets. Motorists must remember to reduce speeds, especially near bus stops and drop off areas.

Children are especially at risk around bus stops. That is the reason the law requires all motorists to stop for a bus that’s flashing its warning lights, whether they are approaching or following the bus. The penalty for failure to stop is quite heavy.

For parents, you should instruct your children to follow school bus safety practices.

* Children should wait at a safe place for the bus, keeping away from the street and from traffic. They should remain still while waiting at the bus stops, and avoid shoving and roughhousing.
* Children must wait until the bus has completely stopped before they approach it. They should wait for the driver to open the door and signal them to enter the bus.
* Upon being dropped off, children should take giant steps away from the bus. They should not cross in front of the bus until they have moved ahead a bit, to where the driver can see them clearly.
* The children should use the handrails whenever they go up or get down the bus.
* Before approaching the bus, children should check the traffic on the streets around them. Tell the children to always look to their left and right. It is mandatory under the law for drivers to stop for school buses, but there are drivers who do not obey the law.

For motorists, you must remember that driving conditions are different as fall approaches.

* Remember all traffic laws and speed limits — and obey them.
* Stop for a bus that is loading or unloading children: when they are flashing, the red warning lights and the stop arm fully extended tell you the bus is stopped for this purpose. Failure to stop is punishable by a heavy fine, under the law.
* Be alert for children who may be walking in the street in places where there are no sidewalks.
* When near bus stops, watch for children playing.
* When children are late for the bus, they often forget to watch for traffic and suddenly dart into the street to catch the bus. Watch out for these situations. Watch out for young people who forget about safety in their hurry to get to school.
* When driving in School Zones and residential areas, observe the speed limits. Bear in mind that fines are doubled in the School Zones.

Everyone must do their share in preventing a tragedy at school bus stops before it happens.