School bus safety reminder

Published March 4, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Biagi Borrero
366th Fighter Wing safety office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The safety office has received several calls regarding personnel who did not follow school bus driving safety rules. Per the Idaho State Law, drivers should note:

On two-lane roads similar to Airbase Road, all traffic headed in the same direction must stop and remain stopped when a school bus stop arm is extended or the red lights are flashing. This rule applies until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus begins to move again. Drivers do not have to stop if they are traveling in the opposite direction on roads with two or more lanes going each direction.

In addition to this, drivers are urged to always watch for children crossing traffic lanes, observe school zone speed limits, instructions of crossing guards and use caution when traveling through school zones or near routes used by children. As a basic rule of thumb, no matter what the posted speed limit, judge the situation and slow down when necessary for safety. Safety is a mindset that can save lives and help prevent accidents and injuries.