In the last week, school has started again in the 16th Senatorial District. This means schedule changes not only for families of school-aged children, but for the community as well. I urge everyone to be mindful of what back-to-school really means for all of us, especially on our roads and highways.
When school is in session, there are children standing alongside our rural county highways, roads and in more populated subdivisions waiting for the school bus. While many of these children are supervised at their bus stops, many are not as parents are already at work or have other commitments. These are not just short bus rides to a school down the street. Some of these students may be on the bus for an hour or more, and while it is their responsibility to obey the bus driver, who must keep them safe, it is our job to make sure we obey the laws of the road that are in place to ensure their safety.
Missouri law outlines traffic regulations, which apply to drivers who encounter school buses on the road. In accordance with Missouri law, all school buses have an approved mechanical and electrical signaling device for use when the bus intends to stop. In most cases, this includes flashing red lights and a red stop sign extending from the driver’s side of the bus. When approaching a stopped school bus from either direction, drivers are required to stop before reaching the bus if the school bus uses either the extended stop sign, flashing lights, or both. Drivers are to remain stopped until the bus has started moving or until signaled by the bus driver go ahead. School buses will also activate their warning lights and come to a full stop before crossing railroad tracks. Students enter and exit the school bus on the right side, so it is never safe to pass a bus on the right side.
Children should be encouraged to follow safety rules as well.
While waiting for the bus:
- Wait in a safe place away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
- Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger.
- Wait for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign. Only approach the bus when all traffic has stopped.
- Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet from the road.
While on the bus:
- Go directly to a seat. Stay seated and facing forward for the entire ride.
- Talk quietly.
- Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Never play with the emergency exits.
- Keep the aisles clear at all times.
- If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
Going back to school can be a fun and exciting time for everyone. As role models for our children and other students, we can help shape how much importance and value they place on their own education. Let them know you are interested in what they are doing. Offer your help, advice and support. And be sure to always let them know that they are only expected to try their best each day. Students of today really are the future of tomorrow, so do all you can as a parent, teacher, school volunteer and community member to encourage learning at all ages.
As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsored, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown. Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.