From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Back to School Safety Tips

With school scheduled to start in many areas next week, I thought it might be a good time for a refresher course in school bus safety and habits, a reminder to slow down and watch out for children walking and biking their way to and from school, as well as buses transporting students.

School buses are designed to be seen. The bright yellow paint, the flashing lights, and swinging stop sign are all features that should help drivers and provide adequate indication that something is happening ahead in the road. However, distractions are everywhere and even the most vigilant drivers can have their attention diverted. Here are a couple simple tips in mind, especially in the morning and afternoon, when buses typically run their routes: when a person encounters a stopped bus, he or she should heed the stop sign and watch for children crossing streets; and, in dual lane traffic, both lanes are required to stop, but if it is a divided roadway or a road with four or more lanes, only the traffic traveling in the same direction is required to stop. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has a number of helpful links on their website, www.modot.org, under the heading of Safety.

Also, here are a few tips to ensure child safety when students are loading the bus. Always stay in sight of the bus driver. If the child can’t see the driver, the driver is probably not able to see him or her and may not know the child is there. Walking a few steps out from the bus prevents any accidents from this problem. When approaching the school bus, students should always wait until it comes to a full stop before entering or leaving, and, when leaving, take three big steps away from the door quickly in order to give the bus room to maneuver. If a student should drop something important near the buses wheels, get the driver’s attention before attempting to retrieve it. If a student bends down near the tires of the bus, it becomes extremely difficult for the bus driver to see that student. Also, remind students that things like dangling backpack straps or shoe strings could get caught in bus doors or other equipment and be dangerous. Keep straps, strings and loose clothing tucked away. Don’t ever rush for the bus, even if they are late. Hurrying is dangerous because other traffic rules tend to be forgotten in a rush. Safety is the first priority.

Just as important as driver or rider safety is pedestrian safety. Students should know a couple of basics when it comes to streets, buses, and vehicles. First, children should be reminded to always use available crosswalks in roadways at intersections. Children should never enter traffic from between parked cars or near bushes or trees. Those kinds of visual impediments are dangerous and can keep a driver from seeing pedestrians. Second, utilize sidewalks where at all possible. Sidewalks are placed off the road in order to protect pedestrians, so let them do their job. Traffic lights and signs may be for vehicles, but they apply to pedestrians, as well. Students should never assume that vehicles will stop for them. Unless actually in a crosswalk, drivers have the right of way and pedestrians would be wise to remember that.

These few simple rules seem like common sense, but after a summer away from the routine of school, we all can become a bit lax in our vigilance. I hope these reminders keep you and your family safe during the upcoming school year.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.