A Reminder to Keep an Eye Out for Children and School Buses

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As we embark on the new school year, starting with students on the ADSY calendar on Thursday, July 24, and all other Aldine ISD students on Monday, August 11, it’s crucial to remember that the safety of our students is a shared responsibility. The district needs your help to keep students safe throughout the school year by reminding drivers that we all share the road with students and school buses.

School bus drivers do everything they can to keep children safe, but everyone must make an effort to drive safely around school buses. Parents and children walking to school should always be alert and only cross the street at intersections and designated crosswalks.

Bus Safety Tips

• Yellow flashing lights mean drivers should slow down because the bus is about to make a stop.
• Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped. All drivers must stop for buses while the red lights are flashing and the Stop sign is out. It is against state law to pass a school bus with red flashing lights on, loading or unloading children. Traffic behind the school bus traveling in the same direction MUST stop. If a roadway is divided, the opposite direction may proceed cautiously.
• Children are in danger of being hit in the 15-foot area around a school bus. Drivers should stop far enough back to allow children the necessary space to enter or exit a bus safely. Never pass a stopped bus on the right that is loading or unloading. It is illegal and could have tragic consequences.
• Patience is key. Buses travel at a slower rate, and they make frequent stops. Understanding this and being patient can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of our students.
• Drivers should always stay alert and aware that children will be loading and unloading at bus stops. Children are unpredictable. Their comfort with their surroundings can lead them to take risks, ignore hazards, or fail to look both ways when crossing the street. This unpredictability should keep us all on our toes and always alert.
• Students should stay safe from the roadway while waiting for the bus, avoid horseplay, and stay alert.
• Students should wait until the bus stops and the driver signals that loading the bus or crossing the street is safe.
• Students should respect the rights of others while riding the bus, cooperate with the driver, and remain in their seats.

Tips for Driving in School Zones

• Remain alert at all times.
• Put away your cell phone. Cellphone use is banned in active school zones, and violators face fines of up to $200 in school zones where signs are posted.
• Always obey school zone speed limits. Remember, traffic fines usually double in school zones.
• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas, not the middle of the street.
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Be alert for children who dart across the street or between vehicles on their way to school.
• Obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals.

Tips for Children Walking or Biking to School

• Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again before proceeding. Never attempt to cross a multi-lane highway.
• Always walk on sidewalks whenever they’re available.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Always obey crossing guards.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road when walking.
• Look for cars turning in all directions, including those turning left or right. Be visible at all times to drivers.
• Follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals.

Click HERE to learn more about bus rider expectations, parent responsibilities, and safety.