DSP asking drivers to “drive as if your kids are at the bus stop”

DELAWARE – In light of recent crashes involving children across the country, Delaware State Police are urging drivers to keep in mind the rules of the road, especially at or near school bus stops.

Officials say that most of the children that lose their lives in bus-related crashes are pedestrians, many of which are hit by motorists illegally passing school buses.

Back in the spring, Delaware public school bus drivers conducted their annual survey of vehicles illegally passing their buses while loading/unloading students with their overhead red lights flashing and lighted STOP arms extended.

Officials say that 1,108 bus drivers reported 572 illegal passes, 8 of which were by the right side of the bus. Nearly 300 of the illegal passes were drivers who were approaching from the rear of the bus. Over half of the illegal passes occurred on the morning bus runs.

Delaware State Police is working with the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Delaware Department of Transportation, and other community partners to remind drivers to be cautious and keep children safe when they are getting on or off the school bus. Drivers should be especially aware during the morning and afternoon hours, since it may be dark outside as children are getting off and on the bus.

Drivers are reminded that when a bus is stopped on a two lane road with the overhead red flashing lights illuminated and STOP arm out, the driver of any vehicle approaching the school bus either from the front or rear of the bus is required to stop and remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing and the STOP arm is retracted. Drivers should stop far enough from the bus to allow students to safely enter and exit the bus, and always remain alert, as children can be unpredictable.