School Bus Safety Reminder: Ohio Districts Gear Up for New School Year
Joe Lyons •
August 14, 2024
ASHLAND, OH — As students across Ohio prepare to return to the classroom, school districts are emphasizing the importance of school bus safety. With the new school year approaching, ensuring the safety of students who travel by bus is a top priority for the state.
Since 2019, Ohio has reported 6,145 traffic crashes involving school buses, including eight fatal incidents, one of which resulted in a student’s death while on a bus. In light of these statistics, state officials are urging all drivers to review and adhere to school bus safety laws.
Governor Mike DeWine stressed the collective responsibility required to protect school bus riders. “Bus safety isn’t just the responsibility of the bus driver,” DeWine said. “Other drivers, parents, and students all have a role to play.”
Ohio School Bus Traffic Laws
Motorists must be aware of specific rules when encountering a school bus:
Two-Lane Roads: All traffic in both directions must stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus and remain stationary until the bus resumes movement or the driver signals that it is safe to proceed.
Four-Lane Roads: Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop when the bus is stopped to pick up or drop off passengers. Traffic from the opposite direction is not required to stop.
Divided Highways: Similar to four-lane roads, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus need to stop.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant penalties. Violations may incur fines up to $500 and could lead to license suspensions. Notably, drivers charged with passing a stopped school bus must appear in court and cannot settle the matter with a waiver.
Safety Tips for Parents and Motorists
For Parents and Caregivers:
Arrive at the bus stop early and stand at least 10 feet away from the road.
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the driver to signal before boarding.
Ensure clothing and backpacks are free from dangling objects that could get caught.
Always walk in front of the bus and be visible to the driver.
For Motorists:
Always stop for a school bus with flashing lights and extended stop-arm.
Yellow lights signal the bus is preparing to stop; red lights mean it is time to halt.
Never pass a bus on the right side where children enter or exit.
Stay alert for children near bus stops and avoid distractions while driving.
The goal of these measures is to protect the lives of young passengers, who are most vulnerable during the crucial moments of getting on and off the bus. For additional information on school bus safety and illegal passing, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety page.
As the new school year begins, let’s ensure that every child gets to and from school safely.