OHIO, USA — A new school year is right around the corner, which means many drivers will be sharing the roads with school buses. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office wants to make sure drivers are following the state's laws when it comes to school bus safety.
“A lot of people stop just to be cautious. We don't really recommend that because when you stop when you're not supposed to, you become a hazard in the road,” said Judy Converse, public information officer for the Ohio Traffic Safety Office
So when do drivers need to stop for a school bus?
Ohio law requires drivers to stop for a stopped school bus if they are driving behind the bus.
If they are on a two-lane road and on the opposite side of traffic, they must also stop to be careful of crossing students.
Molly Mandle, a mom at a local school, spoke about her daughter’s bus stop.
“There's a busy street kind of where she has to cross that if I’m not right there it's a little concerning,” Mandle said.
Just last year, troopers issued more than 700 citations to drivers who failed to stop for a school bus, an increase from the year before, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Public safety officials urge drivers to be alert, aware and pay attention for students near the road.
Students are encouraged to look both ways and wear bright-colored clothing so drivers can see them.