As summer winds down and a new school year begins, the roads around Mechanicville, Stillwater, Clifton Park and throughout the Capital Region get a little busier. School buses are back on their routes, children are walking to bus stops, and families are settling into new morning and afternoon routines.

At The Connors Agency, back-to-school season is also a reminder of just how important it is to slow down and pay attention when children are near the road.

And since many of our employees are parents and grandparents, we’re celebrating the start of another school year by sharing a few of our favorite back-to-school photos of the kids and grandkids who help make this time of year special.

As you’re scrolling through the photos, take a moment to review these important school bus safety tips.

School Bus Safety Starts With Drivers

School buses are designed with numerous safety features, and riding a school bus is generally one of the safest ways for children to get to school. The greatest risk often comes when children are getting on or off the bus and are walking near traffic. (NHTSA)

That means drivers have an important role to play in keeping students safe.

Know What the Yellow Lights Mean

When a school bus begins flashing its yellow warning lights, the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students.

If you see those yellow lights:

• Slow down.
• Prepare to stop.
• Don’t try to speed around the bus.
• Pay close attention to children who may be approaching the bus stop.

Giving yourself extra time to slow down can help prevent a dangerous situation.

Stop When the Red Lights Are Flashing

This is one of the most important school bus safety rules to remember.

When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must stop.

In New York State, traffic approaching a stopped school bus must stop from either direction. This requirement applies even when the bus is in front of a school or in a school parking lot, and drivers must stop at least 20 feet from the bus. (NY DMV)

Do not proceed until the bus begins moving again or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you may proceed.

Watch for Children Around Bus Stops

Even when a school bus isn’t actively loading or unloading passengers, drivers should be alert for children in neighborhoods and around bus stops.

Children may:

• Run toward a bus they see approaching.
• Cross the road unexpectedly.
• Walk into the roadway after getting off the bus.
• Become distracted by friends or electronic devices.
• Be difficult to see around parked vehicles or other obstacles.

NHTSA recommends that drivers remain especially alert in neighborhoods, school zones and around bus stops during morning and afternoon school arrival and dismissal times. (NHTSA)

Put Down the Phone

Distracted driving is dangerous at any time, but it is especially important to eliminate distractions when you’re driving through a school zone or neighborhood.

Keep your eyes on the road and your attention on what’s happening around you. A few seconds of distraction can mean missing a stopped school bus, a child crossing the road or a vehicle suddenly stopping ahead.

Be Patient

School buses make frequent stops, particularly during the first few weeks of school when children, parents and drivers are getting accustomed to new schedules and routes.

Give buses plenty of room and be patient. Your commute may take a few extra minutes, but arriving safely is what matters.

A Safe School Year Starts With All of Us

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for families. New classrooms, new teachers, new activities and, of course, plenty of first-day-of-school pictures.

As you enjoy our staff’s back-to-school photos, we hope you’ll also remember the responsibility we all share when we’re behind the wheel.

Slow down. Stay alert. Stop for school buses. Watch for children.

A few extra moments of caution can help make sure every child gets to school and back home safely.

From all of us at The Connors Agency in Mechanicville, NY, we wish students, parents, teachers and school staff a safe and successful school year!

Sources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, School Bus Safety (NHTSA)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Back to School: Keeping Children Safe (NHTSA)
• New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, New York State Driver’s Manual (NY DMV)