2007-30
MEDIA ADVISORY:  June 27 , 2007
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Lieutenant John A. Eichkorn (785) 296-6800
Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Troopers Inspect Buses for Back-to-School Safety

Back-to-school time is here, which means it's also time for children and parents to start thinking about school bus safety. To ensure school vehicles will load, transport, and unload students safely, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers are inspecting school buses and other vehicles across the state for compliance with safety regulations.

Troopers are visiting each school district and inspecting nearly 9,000 school vehicles' mechanical conditions and equipment. A bus that passes the inspection will display a green sticker of approval in the corner of the windshield. Buses that do not comply with safety regulations cannot be used to transport students until all defects are corrected and a trooper rechecks the vehicle. Last year, Patrol personnel inspected 8,908 school vehicles.

"Getting ready for school to start is a busy time of year for teachers, parents, and students. While preparing supplies, schedules, and other back-to-school needs, adults and children should not forget about safety," said Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck. "Our troopers are committed to the safety of children, which is one reason why we inspect school vehicles for safety compliance. Adults also should take time to talk with children about getting to and from school safely."

Tips for children

Do not hurry to get on or off the bus. Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is OK before stepping onto the bus. Use the handrails to avoid falls. Be careful that clothes, shoelaces, book bags, or other items do not get caught on the handrail or door of the bus.

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross in front of it. Be sure the driver can see you, and you can see the driver. Never walk behind the bus, and walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

Children should stop at the bus's edge and look both ways twice for oncoming traffic before crossing the street. Kids must learn the importance of watching for traffic before getting off the bus or crossing the street, because drivers may not see them.

If you drop something, tell the driver and wait to make sure the driver understands before trying to pick it up. The driver may not see a child bending down. In addition, a child is less likely to drop something in traffic if he or she carries the school supplies in a backpack.

Obey the bus driver, sit facing forward in the seat, use an inside-voice, and do not stick anything out the windows.

Tips for drivers

When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or riding a bicycle to school.

When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is OK before stepping onto the bus. Use the handrails to avoid falls. Be careful that clothes, shoelaces, book bags, or other items do not get caught on the handrail or door of the bus.

Slow down. Watch for children congregating near bus stops.

Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Know it is illegal to pass a school bus stopped to load or unload students. In Kansas, the fine for this potentially deadly violation is $300 plus court costs.

Learn the flashing signal light system that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions.

1. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop.
2. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicates the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before starting to drive again.