Back-To-School Tips For Drivers

CINCINNATI - As kids head back to school, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has taken school bus safety seriously.

Between 2008 and 2010, a total of 4,438 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a school bus that was loading or dropping off students. OSHP troopers wrote 1,404 such citations during that time.

Officials are reminding drivers that they are required to stop at least ten feet away from buses displaying red flashing lights with an extended stop arm.

Also, drivers should lookout for children when backing out of your driveway in the mornings. Drivers may not notice children walking to school or to the bus stop.

From 2008 - 2010, a total of 5,192 crashes involving school buses occurred on Ohio's roadways, an average of 1,731 per year. This includes 15 deadly crashes, as well as 816 injury crashes.

The OSHP said its doing its part with continuous school bus inspections, but emphasizes that drivers have a part to play to make sure all students remain safe to and from school.

Kentucky State Police has taken the same stance. They advise drivers to give themselves extra time when heading out in the mornings.

Officials also ask that drivers try to avoid talking on their cell phone as much as possible.

Last year, Kentucky had 985 school bus related crashes resulting in 278 injuries and four deaths.