Fontana: Safety tips for drivers as students return to school

Truck drivers should always be concerned about safety and operate their vehicles as safely as possible. However, safety takes on increased importance this time of year as children are returning to the classroom. Regardless of where schools are located, it is important to be extra cautious when on the road with school buses.

See also: 2024 Brake Safety Week: What fleets and drivers should know

Here are some tips that will keep you, school buses, and students safe as a new school year begins. 

1. Pay attention to school bus warning lights. All 50 states require drivers to stop for a school bus that is stopped and has its lights flashing. Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. When you see flashing yellow lights, do not attempt to speed by the bus to avoid having to wait for students to get on or off. To ensure the safety of the children, prepare to slow down and stop your vehicle. Flashing red lights, often accompanied by an extended stop arm, indicate the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Stop your vehicle and wait until the lights stop flashing, the arm is retracted, and the bus starts moving.
2. Watch for children. While children are supposed to use crosswalks when crossing a street, they often don’t. Be especially vigilant of children in school zones, crosswalks, and at bus stops.
3. Avoid distracted driving. Avoid using a cell phone, changing radio stations, or eating while operating your vehicle near a school. Remain extra vigilant at all times so you can react appropriately if a child darts in front of you.
4. Watch where you stop. The National Safety Council (NSC) reminds us not to block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk or intersection.
5. Obey school safety patrol officers. A crossing guard holding up a stop sign is your signal to stop so children can cross the street. Do not attempt to go around a crossing guard.
6. Allow space. The most dangerous area for children is the 10 feet around a school bus. NSC suggests stopping far enough back to allow a 10-foot buffer so children can safely enter and exit the bus.
7. No passing. If you are behind a bus loading or unloading children, do not pass it. Do not pass it from either direction if you are on an undivided highway.
8. Be aware of railroad crossings. School buses are obligated to stop at all railroad crossings, so be prepared to stop as well. The buses do not have to use their flashing red lights at railroad crossings, so be extra cautious.

It is always important to be safe when operating a motor vehicle, but as we enter the new school year, we need to be even more aware.