FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is providing drivers with some tips on how to drive safely as the school year kicks off.
Using extra caution while school busses are back on the roadways is the main goal.
Authorities are urging drivers to be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your day.
Drivers should allow plenty of time and space for students to enter and exit buses. As always, when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for busses and pedestrians.
Some tips drivers should remember regarding school bus safety include the following:
- Always be cautious and watch for children around school arrival and dismissal times, particularly in the mornings or mid-afternoon.
- Be alert as you back out of a driveway or drive through a neighborhood, school zone, or bus stop.
- Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle when you see yellow flashing lights indicating the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
- Stop your vehicle and remain stopped when you see red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicating the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. You may start driving again when the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Help and remind your child to:
- Always look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals you to board or exit.
- Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
Help and remind your teen to:
- Always buckle up and make sure your passengers do to.
- Always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on the task of driving.
- Follow the posted speed limit and obey all traffic signs.
- Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle.
- Never drive impaired.
For more information on teen driving, click here.
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