Are your kids back to school? Why is a personal injury lawyer writing a post about students going back to school?

The return to school means the return of school buses to the streets. Regardless of any feelings about school re-opening, everyone should be able to agree that students deserve to have a safe place to wait for the bus.

Let's start with the obvious: if you see a school bus, be aware there may be children around. Some school districts have announced re-opening plans where all students attend a half-day, which means that the bus will run twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. This could be more, depending on how primary, middle, and high schools are staggering their schedules.

If you see a school bus, obey its signals.  As you might imagine, the yellow flashers signals the driver is slowing down or preparing to stop.  Use caution. An eager child may dart into the street.

The red lights and “Stop” sign are self-explanatory.  If you are on a two lane road and the stop sign is activated for a bus travelling in the opposite direction, stop for the bus. Some bus stops are on the opposite side of the road and children need to cross. Only if you are on a road that is physically divided—by a median or barrier, or by a left turn lane—can you lawfully proceed in the face of the signal. 

Do not try to overtake a bus that is stopped or preparing to stop.

Following these rules--they're actually laws--will keep our students safe from dangers on the roadway.