As school systems in Indiana get back in session, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana State Police are reminding Hoosier drivers to be more alert and aware near schools, bus stops and places where children may walk or bicycle to or from school.
“More children are going to be on sidewalks and at the ends of driveways waiting to board buses in the morning or getting off buses after school,” said John Erickson, director of public information for the state’s homeland security agency, which certifies firefighters and emergency medical responders. “Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert as they adjust to these new late summer conditions in which children are closer to streets.”
Children may be especially likely to wander into streets in neighborhoods that don’t have sidewalks, Erickson said. He stressed that children aren’t good at judging vehicle speeds and therefore may attempt to cross streets too close to oncoming vehicles.
Erickson said children listening to music from earphones may not be able to hear approaching vehicles, and also that children may become less aware of their surroundings when playing games on hand-held electronic devices.
“A good idea at this time of year is to leave early for work, morning appointments or errands so you won’t feel rushed as more kids and school buses appear on your normal route,” Erickson said. “Impatient or distracted drivers put children at risk.”
When it comes to school buses, Indiana law is quite clear, said Capt. Dave Bursten, chief public information officer for the State Police.
“When a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, drivers coming from either direction must come to a full stop, and should not pass the bus until the warning lights are turned off and the stop arm is retracted,” Bursten said.
On roadways divided by a physical barrier, only drivers heading in the same direction as a bus must stop. However, Bursten said, drivers should be alert and cautious at all times when school buses are on the road.
Bursten noted that in addition to being alert near neighborhood bus stops and in school zones, drivers also need to be cautious on more remote rural roads, where children also get on and off buses.
