National School Bus Safety Week is here

This week is National School Bus Safety Week. That means members of the California Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for motorists who are not stopping for school buses when their red lights flash. "Motorists approaching from either direction are required to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm until the bus resumes motion," said Officer Evan Kapel, the Aptos CHP office's school bus officer. "If a bus is stopped on a road divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop." Meanwhile, the CHP also reminds pedestrians to “Be Aware-Know the Danger Zone,” meaning they should use caution when crossing the street to prevent traffic collisions. Students are advised to cross the street where they can easily be seen by the school bus driver, while also watching for traffic. Children are most at risk for injury when they are outside the school bus, which is the safest transportation mode to and from school. Santa Cruz County has about 200 school bus drivers, who have excellent driving records. With everyone's cooperation, including motorists, parents and children, the CHP asserts that the school bus ride to and from school will be safer.