It’s that time of year again, the kids finally go back to school after a long summer and parents everywhere rejoice!!

This also means more kids walking and riding bikes around schools and neighborhoods.  Let’s not forget the school buses and 15 MPH School Safety Zones.   

According to the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration, NHSTA, School busses are the most regulated vehicles on the road.  They are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries.  Drivers still need to be aware of school busses and the rules surrounding them.     

If you are driving, please remember these simple rules:         

Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean slow down- don’t speed up – because the bus is preparing to stop.  There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children. 

Red flashing lights mean stop!!  Wait at least 10 feet behind the bus until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving. 

Even when lights are not flashing, watch for children, particularly morning or mid-afternoon.  Be alert when you are backing out of driveways or driving through a neighborhood.

Please be aware of the 15 MPH School Zones.  While the School Zone is active the speed limit is 15 MPH!!  Drivers may be convicted of speeding if you are going as little as 1 MPH over the speed limit. 

Speeding through a school zone or passing a school bus when its lights are active is very dangerous and can lead to life altering outcomes.  Saving a couple seconds getting to work is not worth the life of a child.  Take your time and be safe.  Enjoy the ride!!

For more information checkout these sites:

NHTSA-Back to School Safety- CLICK HERE

AAA- Back to School Safety Tips- CLICK HERE

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, School Bus Safety- CLICK HERE

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