State Patrol offers school safety advice

With schools throughout the state starting classes this week, the State Patrol reminds motorists that safety is a two-way street.

Motorists are reminded:

. That they must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm is extended when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.

. Red flashing lights on buses indicate students are either entering or exiting the bus.

. They are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.

. Altering a route or schedule to avoid a bus is one way motorists can help improve safety. In doing so, motorists won’t find themselves behind a bus and as a result, potentially putting children at risk.

. Watch for school crossing patrols and pedestrians. Reduce speeds in and around school zones.

. Watch and stop for pedestrians — the law applies to all street corners, for both marked and unmarked crosswalks (all street corners) — every corner is a crosswalk. Children and parents are reminded:

. When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road).

* Before crossing the street, take five “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen.

. Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross. . Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing.