VDOT provides tips for driving around schools, school buses

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With more than a million students headed back to school across the commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is reminding drivers to be cautious near school buses and school zones.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest way for students to get to and from school. However, when walking to and from the bus, and when buses are loading and unloading students, they become vulnerable to injury.

In Virginia, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.

"This means the bus is picking up or dropping off students. All motorists must stop, whether they are approaching from the front in an opposite lane or overtaking it from the rear," VDOT said in a release.

According to VDOT, drivers are not required to stop if a school bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier, but drivers should be prepared for students exiting the school bus and crossing into their lanes.

Additionally, several local governments have placed cameras to monitor speed in school zones. The cameras -- which are not installed by VDOT -- are intended to slow down drivers in school zones during certain hours of the day, with violators subject to fines.

In Central Virginia, speed cameras have been installed near several schools in the City of Richmond and Chesterfield County.

VDOT has provided the following tips for drivers ahead of school buses making their routes as school begins throughout Virginia:

• School buses make frequent stops, so be patient, slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop, so slow down. Remain stopped when the lights are flashing red.
• Look for students at bus stops and those walking to and from bus stops. Stay alert for students arriving late for the bus, as they may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Watch carefully for students in the morning and afternoon, especially when in the vicinity of school buildings.
• Don’t drive distracted. Never use electronic devices while driving, and be sure to actively focus on the road and your surroundings.

Additionally, VDOT advises parents and guardians to share the following tips with their children to encourage safety:

• Get to the bus stop early. Aim to get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive so you aren’t rushing.
• While waiting for the bus, maintain a safe distance from the street. Take at least five giant steps back from the curb.
• Use sidewalks when possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic.
• Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before proceeding.
• Always obey crossing guards and pedestrian signals.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus to ensure no cars are coming.
• When walking, keep your eyes on the road and ears listening for traffic. Reduce looking at electronic devices, as well as the volume on them.