Patrol Prepared for National School Bus Safety Week

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be participating in National School Bus Safety week, which runs October 20 through October 24. This year’s theme, “At My Stop, You Stop” reminds us that the most dangerous part of the school bus ride for children is when they get on and off the bus.

Throughout the week, troopers across the state of Ohio will be highly visible, enforcing the law in and around school zones and following school buses on their daily routes. In addition, troopers may be found riding on school buses looking for motorists passing the stopped school bus and other crash-causing violations.

“Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is loading or unloading passengers, children should not rely on them to do so,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street and remain alert to any sudden traffic changes.”

Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction should remember they are required to stop a least 10 feet back from buses displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop arm. From 2011 through 2013, 4,055 motorists were cited for failing to stop for a school bus when it was loading or unloading children.

For a complete statistical breakdown of school bus inspections, crashes and passing stopped school bus violations, visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/School_Bus_Bulletin_2014.pdf