School Resource Officers - Letter to Community
Hello Barker Community,
As the new school year approaches we will again see many yellow school buses traveling on our streets and highways, actively picking up and discharging students from school or extracurricular activities. It is important for all drivers that share the roadways with school buses to keep safety in mind.
School bus safety begins not just with the customary yellow color of the bus itself, but also in the bus design. School buses are some of the most regulated and inspected vehicles on our roadways, being purposely designed to distribute crash forces to compartmentalized areas to safeguard passengers. Warning lights and crossing arms add to the safety of the school buses. Drivers of passenger vehicles should also know that when school buses yellow lights are flashing the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or discharge students. Once the school bus is stopped the bus will activate its flashing red lights and a crossing gate will deploy indicating a student will be crossing the road. It is illegal in every state for the driver of a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing red will result in a ticket from law enforcement.
Parents of children that will be utilizing school transportation also play an integral part in school bus safety. Parents utilizing a central pick up and drop off point should visit the location with children before the school year begins. Children should be reminded that this area is not for play and recreation and that they must be alert to additional traffic that shares the road with school buses. Students should also be taught the rule of “five” when it comes to being picked up by buses. Students should stand 5 giant steps away from the curb or roadway before scheduled school bus pick-up and arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled pick up time. While boarding the school bus students should utilize the handrail while climbing the steps to minimize slips and falls. While riding on the school buses students should face forward in the seats to be afforded the most protection. When the school bus reaches its destination students need to debark the bus in an orderly fashion. When getting off the bus at their discharge point or residence students should only cross in front of the school bus, being sure to make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing in front of the bus. If a student drops an item while crossing in front of the bus they must leave the item until the bus drives away. By attempting to pick up the item the bus driver may lose sight of the student potentially causing an accident.
By keeping simple safety measures in mind when encountering school buses on the roadway it not only enhances student safety but benefits the community. If you have any questions regarding school bus safety or any safety issues or questions please do not hesitate to contact any school SRO. Remember if you hear it, or see it, please report it.
Your Barker School SRO Team.