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JACKSON, MISS. – Back-to-school season is here, and amidst the social media photos, school supply shopping and meet-the-teacher nights, more vehicles are on the road carrying the world’s most precious cargo. With the safety of kids, parents, school bus drivers and others in mind, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is offering a few reminders to help everyone ace traffic safety this year.
“Going back to school is an exciting time for families and school staff, and with more kids in vehicles, we should all take extra precautions on the road,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “Whether they are in a car seat, a school bus or behind the wheel, children’s safety is of the utmost importance. Now and throughout the year, we urge everyone to use extreme caution when driving in school zones, around school buses and anywhere children are present.”
Motorists can set a good example for the next generation by always following the rules of the road and putting away distractions, especially around school buses and in school zones.
For motorists, MDOT offers the following tips for school bus safety:
- The overall best practice is to “always stop if there’s a school bus.”
- If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop paddle is extended, traffic must stop.
- Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
- Stay alert and slow down. The greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a school bus but approaching or leaving one.
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous. Allow children ample space to enter and exit the bus.
For parents, MDOT offers school bus safety reminders:
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
- Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
- Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
- Be sure the bus driver can always see you, and you can see the bus driver.
- Before crossing the street, stop and look left-right-left before crossing.
A few safety tips for dropping off and picking up kids from school include:
- Be vigilant and watch for children moving around and in between vehicles.
- Don’t load or unload children across the street from their school.
- If possible, carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
Don’t forget about best practices in your own vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children ages 12 and younger should remain in a booster seat until a seat belt fits properly. To learn more about car seat safety and choosing the right car seat for a child, visit nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat.
For more information about travel safety, visit GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.