As students across the area head back to school, the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency is reminding motorists to use extra caution when traveling near school buses.

With more school buses back on local roads, drivers should be prepared for frequent stops, children crossing roadways and changing traffic patterns in and around school zones.

One of the most important reminders is to stop when a school bus has its red warning lights activated and stop arm extended. Drivers approaching a stopped school bus should remain stopped until the bus has turned off its flashing red lights, retracted the stop arm and resumed travel.

Motorists should also remember that children may not always be predictable when getting on or off a bus. Children can suddenly enter the roadway, so drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop whenever a school bus is loading or unloading students.

Drivers should avoid passing a stopped school bus and should never attempt to drive around the bus while students are boarding or getting off. Extra attention is especially important in neighborhoods, at intersections and along rural roads where visibility may be limited.

The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency also reminds motorists to put away distractions, obey posted speed limits and remain alert for buses making frequent stops. A few extra seconds of patience can make a significant difference in keeping students, bus drivers and other motorists safe.

As the new school year gets underway, drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert and give school buses plenty of space. Safe driving around school buses is a responsibility shared by everyone in the community.

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