School buses are still the safest way to transport our children back and forth to school, and troopers want you to earn your gold star because school bus safety is everyone’s responsibility.

In Maryland, over 600,000 students begin and end their school day with a trip on a school bus. Studies show the bus is the safest way to transport kids, but the risk is getting them on and off the bus safely. The Maryland State Police remind drivers to pay close attention when driving in proximity to school buses and school zones.

The reality is our kids need our help to have a safe school year. Here are some reminders:

LOOK FOR THE FLASHING LIGHTS – The flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop, to load or unload students. The red flashing lights show the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Drivers should not pass in either direction when red flashing lights are activated, unless they are on a divided highway.

NEVER PASS ON THE RIGHT – The consequences could be tragic if students are loading or unloading. Make sure you stop at least 20 feet either in front or behind the bus when its red lights are flashing. This gives children enough space to safely enter and exit the bus.

WALK THE ROUTE WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS – Whether your child walks to school, or just to the bus stop, it is important for an adult to walk the route with them, especially if they are younger. Parents or guardians can point out hazards to children and alert them to locations along the route where they need to pay special attention.

BE ALERT AND SLOW DOWN – Keep an eye out for students, because they maybe thinking about getting to school but not in the safest manner.

DRIVERS REDUCE DISTRACTIONS – This is an important tip for drivers at anytime, but especially in school zones. Reduce any distractions inside your vehicle, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Remember put those cell phone down while driving.

Troopers across Maryland will be joining their local law enforcement partners in special school bus enforcement patrols during the school year. Extra patrols will be deployed on school bus routes and troopers will be specifically targeting motorists driving unsafely around school buses or ignoring the red flashing lights when a bus is stopped. These patrols will be funded by special state school bus enforcement grants coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

Have a great and safe school year.