Officials remind residents to be aware of kids, school buses during School Bus Safety Month

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – We’re getting closer to the start of the school year, and transportation officials are asking drivers to practice safe driving around school buses and children.

More kids will be walking or biking early in the morning and in the early afternoon as the school year approaches. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds drivers that the August Law of the Month is School Bus Safety. Officials say traffic patterns change when school is in session. You’ll see more school buses on the road, and you’ll need to be mindful of your surroundings to help keep kids safe.

Each year, more than 600 crashes happen in Wisconsin involving school buses. WisDOT says these crashes can be prevented if drivers follow safety guidelines.

• Stop at least 20 feet away, in both directions, from a bus when red warning lights are flashing.
• Slow down when amber or yellow lights are flashing; drivers can pass a bus with amber lights activated but should do so cautiously.
• Yield to pedestrians who have a walk signal or green light, or those who are crossing a road with no signals.
• Always follow directions from school crossing guards.

WisDOT encourages families and guardians to talk with their children about general walking and biking safety. There are several guidelines caretakers should bear in mind while discussing safety with their kids.

Children should play it S.A.F.E.:

• Stay at least five giant steps (at least 10 feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus.
• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals to get on the bus.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus
• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street

Additional safety tips for both drivers and children can be found here.