Safety an important key to successful school year

Back to school can be an exciting time for students, parents and teachers. But as school buses and youngsters are taking to the streets in area school districts, superintendents remind the public to amp up precautions when traveling before and after school hours. 

“Bus safety is a critical piece of what we do,” said Jerry Struss, superintendent at South Koochiching - Rainy River School District, Indus and Northome Schools.

Struss said because the Indus and Northome schools are so rural, everyone is transported to school, making safety a number one priority during the school year. 

The superintendent said that bus drivers have annual transportation training prior to school, when the district publishes its bus policy.

“We are concerned with behavior and emphasize safe behavior — watching for when a number of kids are loading, that they’re respectful and there’s no pushing or shoving,” Struss said. “A lot of our buses have assigned seats to help keep it safe.”

He added that students are educated on when and how to cross the street when getting on or off the bus safely. 

Fred Seybert, superintendent at Littlefork-Big Falls School District, told The Journal that during the first month of school, the district emphasizes bus safety, even to students who don’t ride the bus.

“Bus drivers place much emphasis on the proper way a student walks from the bus and across the road to their home,” he said. “Ensuring bus safety of our students is absolute and paramount.”

Nordy Nelson, superintendent at International Falls School District, agreed.

“School bus safety is a really high priority as far as educating students on how to approach and leave the bus,” he said. “It’s a very high priority to promote student understanding on that.”

According to the American School Bus Council, school buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and preventing injury. Today, as compared to years ago, school buses are built with safety in mind, according to David Silvey, vice president at AlliedBarton Security Services. 

A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation highlights that children are safer riding the bus to and from school than being driven in a car by an adult, Silvey said in a release. 

Staff writer Emily Gedde

contributed to this report.

Safety tips

To ensure safety of everyone on the road during the school year, David Silvey, vice president at AlliedBarton Security Services, offers the following reminders and tips:

• Yellow and red flashing lights — School buses have yellow lights to warn drivers they will be making a stop and red flashing lights and an extendible stop sign to tell drivers to stop. Yellow does not mean go faster, it means slow down. Be aware of your surroundings and always come to a complete stop. Do not continue driving until the lights have turned off and the sign is pulled in.

• Passing a school bus — It is illegal to pass a school bus on the right side of the road because you cannot be aware of where the bus needs to stop to load or unload. Always wait for the bus to move to the right lane or stay a safe distance behind it. Additionally, it is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. It is vital that you stop your vehicle at least 10 feet away from the school bus to allow for riders to enter and exit safely.

• Railroad crossings — In most states it is required that school buses stop at all railway crossings. Be alert when a crossing is ahead and a school bus nearby so that you can stop as well.

• Divided Highways — You must always stop for flashing red lights; however, most states do not require drivers to stop when on the opposite side of a divided highway. Use extreme caution if you are in this situation as passengers may be trying to cross in that area, especially if there is a crosswalk.

• Buses need turning space — Just like trucks, buses have a wide turning radius. Remember to provide them with ample turning space so they can maneuver easily on the road.

• Watch for children waiting for the bus — As the driver, you are responsible for keeping an eye on the road and on children waiting for the bus. Come to a complete stop at all stop lights and stop signs, drive slowly near bus stops and watch for children crossing the road.

• Slow down — Use caution if you are driving in residential areas and school zones. Fines for speeding in an area can be hefty.

• Allow for extra time during your commute — School bus drivers have to follow the same speed limit rules as every other driver; however, they make frequent stops which can delay traffic. Know the bus routes in your community and allow ample travel time when school is in session.