Rolling V is joining Communities across the country this week to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week, October 16-20. Even though school buses are one of the safest means of transportation, passing a school bus remains a significant and fatal threat to children and their families. In New York state, it is illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, that is stopped to load or unload students. Most accidents occur as a result of motorists not obeying this law. Rolling V would like the community to follow the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety tips in an effort to avoid these accidents:

Safety Reminders for Parents and Caregivers:

· Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.

· Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.

· Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.

· Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.

· Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.

· Be sure the bus driver can always see you, and you can see the bus driver.

· Before crossing the street, stop and look left-right-left before crossing.

Safety Reminders for Motorists:

· The overall best practice is to “always stop if there’s a school bus.”

· Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

· Motorists may begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move.

· Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.

· The greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a school bus but approaching or leaving one. That’s why, as a vehicle driver, it is especially important to pay attention. Students’ lives are on the line.

· Slow Down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.

· Don’t drive distracted. Be alert. Children arriving for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

· Watch out for young people who may be distracted and not paying attention to the traffic around them.

“It’s easy to get complacent and get lost in the day to day. Weeks like this, dedicated to School Bus Safety Awareness helps bring us ALL back to center to remember what is really important in the day to day, that’s the safety of our kids.” Nick Vallone, Executive Vice President.

During National School Bus Safety Week, join Rolling V in their mission to keep local children and families safe on the roadways.