As students return to school, truck drivers and other motorists need to be extra careful around school buses, bus stops, crosswalks, and school zones.
School buses are one of the safest ways for children to travel. However, students can still face danger while walking to a bus, crossing the street, or getting on and off.
Large trucks need more time and space to stop than smaller vehicles. That is why truck drivers should slow down when they see a school bus or enter a school zone. They should also watch the road, sidewalks, and nearby yards because a child may suddenly step into traffic.
Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean the bus is getting ready to stop. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop as well. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, drivers must stop and wait. They should not move again until the red lights turn off and the stop arm returns to the side of the bus.
Drivers should leave plenty of room around a stopped school bus. Children may cross in front of the bus or walk behind it, where they can be difficult to see. Staying farther away gives everyone more space and gives the driver additional time to react.
Extra attention is also needed around crosswalks. A truck should never stop on a crosswalk because this may force children to walk around it and enter moving traffic. Before driving forward, the truck driver should make sure every student has completely crossed the road.
Some students travel to school on bicycles or scooters. They may not understand how large a truck’s blind spots are. Truck drivers should check their mirrors often and carefully look beside the truck before turning or changing lanes.
Phones and other distractions should always be avoided while driving, especially near schools. A few seconds of lost attention can be dangerous when children, buses, bicycles, and cars are moving through the same area.
Truck drivers spend many hours on the road and play an important role in community safety. Slowing down, staying alert, and following school bus laws can help every student begin and end the school day safely.
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