School bus Safety motto: Obey Stop Arm

Motorists are reminded that the school bus stop arm requires them to stop.

STAFF REPORT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Next week is National School Bus Safety Week and the American School Bus Council is asking drivers of passenger vehicles to ensure the continued safety of school bus transportation.

This year’s theme is, “Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm.”

The stop arm on school buses requires drivers in all states to stop as children get on and off buses, but violation of that law is a common occurrence as noted in studies conducted by numerous states, according to the council.

Educating parents about the proven safety of the school bus is another objective during the national observance as a recent survey from the council found that 49 percent of parents incorrectly believe a car driven by an adult is the safest mode of transportation to get students to and from school.

“Parents deserve to be informed that the yellow school bus has been found by the National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Department of Transportation to be the safest way to transport students,” said William Tousley, National Association of Pupil Transportation president and American School Bus Council member.

The school bus is designed with more safety features, such as the stop arm, than any other vehicle and the industry continually works to incorporate the latest safety technology, training and testing.

School Bus Safety Week was created in 1960 with the intent to emphasize the importance of a unified effort among students, parents and the motoring public to ensure a safe and secure ride for the nearly 26 million children who are transported daily on yellow school buses.