Be extra safe when driving around school buses and children

Now that school here in Memphis, and across the country, are back in full swing, a horrifying trend has emerged.

Since Monday morning of this week alone there have been car crashes involving school buses in Wallingford, CT; Las Vegas, NV; Wrentham, MA; Franklin City, VA; Truxton, NY; Newark, NJ; Belton, TX; Pensacola, FL; Houston, TX; Tullahoma, TN; Cullman, AL; Taunton, MA; Hughestown, PA; and Raleigh, NC.

Just this week a school bus was involved in a crash closer to home in Hernando, MS. And here in Memphis last week, a car hit a school bus head on, resulting in the death of the car’s driver.  Our office extends our condolences and sympathy to all affected by these awful turn of events.

We would like to remind all drivers to exercise the maximum amount of caution when near school buses – not only are they extremely large vehicles that can cause you and your car extensive damage, they are also frequently carrying the most precious of cargo.  Remember to stay back at least 100′ from the rear of the school bus (the average car length is about 17′, so this is a healthy six car lengths away!) to give you ample time for braking should they make a stop.

Keep in mind that school buses are required by law to stop at railroad tracks.  If a school bus is stopped to drop off or pick up a child, you are not permitted to pass, and cars coming toward the bus must stop as well to allow for the safe crossing of the children.

Basically, the school bus drivers are obligated to exercise extreme care while operating the bus and this may cause them to travel, turn, or stop more slowly and methodically than their four-door counterparts – breathe through any frustration or delays this may cause you, and show the same care as you navigate around them this school year!