Minnesota Department Of Transportation Urges Caution Around School Buses

School has been in session for about a week now around the State of Minnesota and as students and parents settle into their school year routine, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds drivers to use caution, safety and common sense around school buses.

Riding in a school bus is a very safe means of getting to school.  The danger resides outside of the actual bus.  Research shows that more kids are killed outside of the school bus than in.

MNDOT offers the following safety tips for drivers who share the road with buses:

• Slow down.  When you see a school bus, a bus stop or a school building - be alert and watch for children.
• Be alert for school crossing guards.  Drivers are required by law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, at street intersections and in parking lots  Again, this is a common sense approach to being cautious on the road.
• All vehicles must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and/or has the stop arm extended.  This law is in effect whether you are approaching from the rear or from the front in an opposite direction.