Some schools are already back in session and in coming weeks, all students in Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock will return to the classroom.
This means that thousands of school buses will return to our roadways and as a courier and logistics company, we at On Time Logistics wanted to offer a few tips about how to make the return to school as safe as possible.
The Arkansas Department of Education is just kicked off their annual bus safety awareness effort, including providing safety tips that parents can instill in their children.
This year’s campaign is called B.U.S. (Be aware. U stay alert. So kids don’t get hurt) Awareness and it started August 11 and goes through August 29.
While this campaign is fostered by the Arkansas Department of Education, it’s valuable information for any school, any child in any state.
Besides offering information for children and their parents, this campaign also educates drivers on safe operation around school buses. This is where we feel that our drivers provide the most expertise!
Did you know that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus whenever its red lights are flashing and students are getting on or off the bus? The fines, penalties and punishment for anyone found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus were dramatically increased by Arkansas Act 2128 of 2005, also known as Isaac’s Law.
The legislation was named for Isaac Brian, an elementary student in the Bryant School District who was struck and killed when a driver illegally passed his school bus while students were unloading.
It seems that motorists who pass buses while the buses are stopped are doing so because the driver is impatient. We suggest that people take into account their route every day and if it passes a lot of bus stops, consider changing their commute during the school year.
Also, for the first couple weeks of school, routines will still be new for children and might take longer than normal. Plan accordingly and leave for your destination earlier than normal (or arrange to be late).
Children are also not as likely to pay attention to their surroundings when waiting at a bus stop. It’s our jobs as grownups and as drivers to watch out for their safety.
Back to school time is meant to be exciting and filled with learning and new friendships. We at On Time Logistics are excited for the new school year and invite you to help keep the kids in our communities safe.