Stop for Safety: Back to School Transportation

MARYLAND – Back to school season has arrived, and as students return to learning, motorists are encouraged to study up on the rules of the road.

Dr. Tim Kerns is the Director of Maryland Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office, and explained that according to state law, unless there is a physical median, cars in both directions must stop for school busses with flashing lights.

“We’ve seen, several thousand citations issued, to drivers who pass those stopped school busses.” Said Kerns. “And when you see a stopped school bus, there are children nearby.”

Motorists are not the only ones who are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings — Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about pedestrian and bus stop safety.

“It’s important that the parents, remind their children to always cross the crosswalks.” Said Kerns. “Always follow the directions of the crossing guard. If there’s one at their school. Another thing that they can remind them of is try to make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle, because that way they they know that they’re there.”

Worcester County Sherriff Matt Crisafulli wants to make it a safe school year, and in a statement to WMDT he said “please use caution in your daily travels as we will have our buses back on our roadways and students walking to and from school. Please be prepared to stop for our buses with student drop offs throughout our county.”

For more information, visit https://zerodeathsmd.gov/how-you-can-help/be-the-driver/