MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 21, 2002
8:30 A.M.
Alexandria Police and City Public Schools Recognize
National School Bus Safety Week
The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and the Alexandria Police Department (APD) will recognize National School Bus Safety Week from Monday, October 21, through Friday, October 25, with increased awareness and enforcement of traffic laws.
School Bus Safety Week will mark the beginning of new efforts between police and school transportation officials to step up safety measures. First, bus drivers will collect license plate and vehicle descriptions of cars that pass the bus while loading or unloading. The information will be shared with police who will send letters to the vehicle's owner, explaining the law and urging safer driving behaviors. Additionally, police and school transportation officials will review the current school bus pick-up and drop-off sites to maximize visibility and minimize the danger posed by on coming traffic.
While traveling by school bus remains the safest type of transportation, police and educators urge motorists and families of school-aged children to be cautious. "Motorists need to obey speed limits and laws that prohibit passing school buses when children are getting on or off," said Sergeant Paul Story of the APD Traffic Unit. "Parents and older siblings need to assist young children by teaching them the proper way to cross a street and board and exit a school bus," added Velma Tsongos, the ACPS Transportation Director.
Last month in Alexandria, two boys, ages 5 and 6, suffered minor injuries on the same morning while getting to their buses at two different locations. In one case, a motorist was charged with reckless driving for passing a stopped school bus. In the other case, the child ran to the bus before it was ready to begin boarding and before its flashing red lights and stop sign were activated. "Though these kinds of accidents remain rare, this a startling reminder to everyone to use caution around school buses," said Sergeant Story.
School bus drivers and police offer these tips for motorists:
• Unless there is a median consisting of a physical barrier separating motorists from a school bus, drivers must stop for loading or unloading school buses. If they pass a loading bus, they could face a fine of up to $2,500, 12 months in jail and six points on their driving record.
• Begin to stop when a school bus has its yellow lights activated. This is not a signal to hurry up and pass the bus before it begins loading.
• Respect local speed limits, especially those in school zones, and reduce speed during adverse weather conditions.
In addition children should:
• Be at the bus stop early. If running late, children are more likely to run out into the street when it's not safe.
• Wait for the bus in a safe place, away from the road.
• Wait for the bus driver's signal before crossing the road and check the road by looking both ways.
• Stay away from the bus and cars if something is dropped or forgotten. Ask an adult to help.
For further details, please contact the Public Information Office.
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