Students throughout the state of Indiana are heading back to school this month. The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for children to meet their new teachers and see friends again. Children anticipate the ride on the school bus marking the first of many adventures the school day will bring. Everyone operating a motor vehicle can make the school bus ride a safe one by following these few tips outlined by the Indiana State Police:

• School bus drivers will activate the buses flashing amber/yellow lights when preparing to stop to load and/or unload children. When motorists observe the flashing amber/yellow lights they should slow down and prepare to stop.  Once the school bus stops and the RED flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, motorists are required to stop and not pass the school bus.
• If a school bus stops on a two lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
• When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.
• When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway with a grassy and or concrete barrier and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop. Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are NOT required to stop.
• A person who disregards a school bus stop arm commits a Class A Infraction and could receive a maximum fine of $10,000.

As a community dedicated to keeping kids safe please keep bus safety as a top priority when driving. Avoid distractions while driving, especially near schools. If we work together we can prevent children from being injured or killed when walking to and from school and when loading and unloading from a school bus.