The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that school buses are returning to the highways

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that school buses are returning to the highways as schools reopen. In 2006 in the state, there were 1,809 crashes involving school buses, causing eight fatalities to other motorists and 612 injuries to motorists and bus occupants. Here are some tips being offered by the patrol:

Vehicles must stop when the bus displays flashing red warning lights and extends the stop signal arm. Vehicles cannot pass until the lights and signals are off.

Ohio school buses are required to stop at railroad crossings as their drivers look and listen through an open window. Motorists should maintain an assured clear distance between their vehicle and the bus.

Never pass on the right side of a bus.

When driving in school zones, watch out for less-experienced drivers who may be driving to school for the first time.

Students who drive should be aware of buses when driving to school grounds and should decrease their speed accordingly, limit distractions and require passengers to wear their safety belts.

Source: Ohio State Highway Patrol