Driving home this afternoon, I was reminded that kids are back in school. I saw quite a few kids walking along busy streets and not all of them were on the sidewalk. In fact, some were on bicycles on the road. I'm not used to seeing all these kids out. Jeeze, you'd think we're still in the midst of a pandemic!

Newsflash! Kids are back to school and we need to be extra aware as drivers. Slow down! Be patient, especially when in school zones and when school buses are around. They may stop to let children off and cross. Or, in the morning, buses are stopping to pick up kids to take them to school.

School Bus Stop Sign
JerryX
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We're sharing the road with more school buses today. A reminder...it is illegal to pass a bus that is stopped loading or unloading children. Don't do it!

According to the National Safety Council:

Most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus.

RS29324_school bus ThinkStock
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The Richland Police Department has posted some safety tips for drivers.

Credit: Richland Facebook Page.
Credit: Richland Facebook Page.
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Remember that when in school zones, you need to drop your speed to 20-mph when the lights are flashing. Stop and yield to those using the crosswalks. It's a good idea to be extra aware when in school zones anyway. One can never be too cautious. And, always stop when there is a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.

Please, slow down in school safety zones.

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