School districts warning drivers to be more aware

A new school year means different things to different people. It means homework and school projects to students or evening football games and shuttling children back and forth to events for parents.

It also means that school buses are roaming the streets and that everyone needs to pay attention.

“We are asking everyone to slow down and look alive,” said Blue Springs Assistant Superintendent Bill Cowling. “Distracted driving is a growing concern and with students walking or riding their bicycles to school or for our school buses, people need to pay attention.”

According to distraction.gov, distracted driving includes texting, using a cellular phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to other passengers, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, watching a video or adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player. This is because all of these activities require cognitive attention from the driver, attention that is taken away from the road.

Cowling said with school back in session, those in the community need to be aware that there will be heavy traffic around schools, specifically in the morning and afternoon when students are being dropped off and picked up.

“We have many children walking to school or riding their bikes to school,” he said. “It just takes a moment. One sip from a drink, one phone call, a look down to change the radio station. A child could walk off a bus and cross the street or a bus could stop directly in front of the driver. In that moment, an accident could happen.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents involving school buses killed 134 people in 2005, injuring more than 11,000 others. This includes both students on the bus and people driving other vehicles.

“The Blue Springs Police Department did a lot of work over the summer making sure the zones around a lot of the schools are more visible and (they) will be placing a great focus on enforcing those zones this year. That is wonderful, and we really appreciate that work,” he said. “Slowing down in those school zones gives the public an increase reaction time, which means greater safety around our schools and children. That is what is so important.”

But safety doesn’t just include the driver, but also transfers to the bus itself.

“I think the biggest safety tip for families is that parents need to be involved with getting their child to and from the bus stop,” said Keith Henry, director of transportation for the Independence School District. “They need to walk or have someone walk them to the bus stop and then be ready when they get off the bus. I know a lot of parents work, but if they have a plan in place for when their child gets off the bus, it will go a lot smoother.”

Henry suggested that parents should walk the route between home and the bus stop several times, so that the child is comfortable with the route. Making sure that both the child and parent knows the location of the bus stop is also essential.

“Kids should be familiar with their bus stop. What landmarks are around, what does the area look like, that sort of thing,” he said. “This makes the whole bus riding experience safe for everyone.”

According to the National Safety Council, children should stay away from traffic and avoid rough play while waiting for the bus. On the bus, children should find their seat quickly and sit down, with their back against the seatback. Loud talking or noises should be avoided, as this distracts the bus driver. Aisles need to be kept clear, and everyone should remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

If children have to cross the street to get home, it is recommended that they walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus so that the driver can clearly see the child. Before crossing the street, make sure that there is no oncoming traffic.

“Slow down and maintain focus, those are the most important things to remember,” Cowling said. “These are simple to remember, but this is a good time of year to remind everyone of how to act around schools and buses now that students are back in school.”