Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Students across the Commonwealth have been in school for about one month now, which means drivers may have gotten used to seeing school buses on the road again.
The DMV is reminding motorists of the importance of staying alert and following school bus safety laws. Jillian Cowherd, DMV spokesperson, says drivers shouldn't get complacent.
"Just because you're used to the them being there doesn't mean that you don't need to be paying extra attention, especially when you see them stop," Cowherd says.
Most school bus-related crashes happen when students are walking to or waiting at the bus stop, the DMV says. For this reason, it's particularly important to be alert when backing out of driveways and driving through neighborhoods.
Additional school bus safety laws motorists are required to follow include:
• Motorists must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when approaching from any direction;
• Motorists must remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus moves again;
• Motorists must stop whenever the bus is loading or unloading passengers, even if the lights and stop sign are not activated;
• If a school bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier, motorists aren’t required to stop; however, drivers should be prepared for students entering or exiting the school bus and crossing into their lanes.
For students getting off and on the bus, the DMV emphasizes the importance of remaining alert. Students shouldn't be looking down at their phone. They should stand in groups when possible and always wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. If students have to cross the street in front of the bus, they should walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least ten feet ahead of the bus before boarding.
