Driving Tips for Back to School Season

In 2008, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports there were 749 crashes involving school buses. More than 325 school bus occupants were injured.

It's never a bad time for drivers to re-familiarize themselves with the rules of the road regarding school buses and school zones.

• Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean the school bus is stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists from both directions (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates the traffic going in either direction) must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the bus begins moving before they start driving again.
• Drivers are required to travel 25 mph in a school zone when indicated by a sign or signal.
• Remember, pedestrians always have the right-of-way. When encountering a pedestrian, motorists need to slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Motorists should be alert for pedestrians when making a right or left turn on red. Pedestrians should be allowed to completely cross the street before a driver begins turning.

Follow these simple rules around school buses and school zones and everyone will get where they're going safe and sound.