By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
School Bus safety started yesterday and runs through Friday. The week is an opportunity to remind motorists and students about proper safety around school buses. According to the United States Department of Transportation, from 2013 to 2022, there were 967 fatal school transportation-related crashes and an average of 108 fatalities per year. However, school buses remain the safest way for children to travel to school.
The Transportation Department reminds drivers that “When a school bus’s red lights are flashing, and the stop-arm is extended, drivers must slow down and come to a complete stop; this is not a suggestion — it’s the law.” Furthermore, the DOT asked drivers to respect the “Danger Zone” which is 10 feet in front of the bus, where the driver may be sitting too high to see a child or 10 feet on either side of the bus, where a child may be in the driver’s blind spots. Benjamin Bus, Northfield General Manager Laure’ Benjamin, encouraged drivers to pay attention:
“You know they every time that you see a school bus, just pay attention to what’s kind of going on, you know, and watch for those lights and those flashing lights. They have the yellow lights that are going to be that. That’s a warning saying, you know, pay attention to what’s going on and then get ready to stop “ Laure’ Benjamin on the KYMN Morning Show
She also expressed concern stating that in Northfield, there have been several stop-arm violations in the last year. Benjamin stated that drivers should also look out once a school bus has left an area, citing the parents, older siblings, and dogs that may accompany young children to the bus stop and be walking home.
Benjamin Bus already completed the state-required training for drivers and students earlier in September about proper school bus procedures, including entering and exciting the bus and crossing the road.
