Be aware of your surroundings, said Dallas County Schools transportation supervisor Allen Shelton.

With schools set to open Monday, Shelton offered safety tips he said are essential to drivers and pedestrians. He said motorists should be especially careful as they travel, since approximately 78 Dallas County Schools buses will start taking to the roads Monday.

“According to the Alabama State Department of Education Pupil Transportation Section, the most dangerous part of a school bus ride occurs when the bus stops to load or unload students,” Shelton wrote.

More than 100,000 motorists were recorded as illegally passing Alabama school buses in one day, according to the Alabama State Department of Education’s most recent annual survey of illegal school bus passing conducted in April.

According to Shelton, that rate could lead to more than 308,000 incidents of illegal passing of school buses per year, with each incident endangering the life of children.

“All too often, students are placed in harm’s way by careless or distracted motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus,” Shelton wrote. “In far too many instances, students are injured or killed as a result of illegal passing incidents.”

He said the best way to avoid such tragic incidents is to follow these instructions:

• On a two-lane road or street, motorists approaching a school bus from either direction must stop when the bus flashes red warning lights and extends the stop sign arm.
• Vehicles should not pass the bus until the flashing red lights are off.
• Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop.
• On divided or separated highways with a median and at least four lanes, drivers traveling the opposite direction of the bus are not required to stop.  Examples include, Highway 80 East and West. However, motorists should proceed with extreme caution and watch out for children.
• Drivers should never pass on the right side of a school bus when children are loading or unloading.
• Driver who illegally passes a stopped bus can expect a fine of no less than $150. If convicted twice, a fine of up to $500 will be assessed. In addition, repeat offenders will have to complete 100 hours of community service and have their driving privileges revoked for 30 days. A third conviction for this offense will result in a $1,000 fine and 200 hours of community service. A fourth conviction will result in the motorist being charged with a Class C Felony and suspension of their driver’s license for one year.

Shelton said parents should address these tips when discussing bus safety with those who ride the bus:

• Arrive at the school bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Be aware that bus drivers are not required to wait on students if they are not at their designated bus stop. A bus standing in one location for an extended period of time puts all students in a dangerous situation, because it increases the possibility of an accident.
• If you are the parent of a pre-k child, the system requires a parent, guardian or another responsible adult be at the bus stop as your child is picked up or dropped off.
• Stay at least 10-15 feet away from the roadway while waiting on the bus.
•  It is illegal for parents or other adults to step on the school bus for any reason.
• It is highly encourage parents, who experience transportation problems, to call your child’s school and share your concerns with the principal.

For more information, contact Shelton at 872-6252 or sheltonab@dallask12.org.