Back-to-School Safety Reminder Issued To Ohio Drivers
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MARTINS FERRY -- With school buses returning to Belmont County roads, local police are urging motorists to slow down, stay alert and follow traffic laws as students head back to class.
The Martins Ferry Police Department issued a back-to-school safety reminder, asking drivers to watch for children walking, riding bicycles and crossing roadways, particularly around school zones and bus stops.
"Please give yourself extra time, slow down, and stay focused," the department said.
The reminder comes as the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports 7,179 traffic crashes involving school buses on Ohio roads since 2021. Six were fatal, resulting in six deaths, including one school-age student. The crashes also resulted in 920 school-bus occupants being injured.
"Every student in Ohio deserves a safe ride to and from school, and that safety is a responsibility all drivers share," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release earlier this month "As summer ends, and school buses get back out on the road, I encourage all drivers to stay alert, eliminate distractions, and follow the posted speed limit."
OSHP troopers have written about 14,000 citations for passing stopped school buses and other school-zone violations.
When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 10 feet from the bus on two-lane roads and roads with a center turning lane.
On roads with four or more lanes or divided highways, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Oncoming traffic may proceed with caution.
Drivers must remain stopped until the bus resumes moving or the driver signals it is safe to proceed.
Those who fail to follow Ohio's school bus laws now face stiffer penalties under legislation passed this summer.
Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill 3 in June, increasing penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The bill raises the fine to between $250 and $1,000. Repeat violations could result in a driver's license suspension, a required safety course and a fine of up to $2,000. The measure also authorizes the use of cameras on school buses to document motorists who illegally pass stopped buses.
About 800,000 Ohio students use school transportation each day, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
"With students returning to classrooms, it is essential to stay vigilant around school buses and pedestrian crossings," OSHP said on its Facebook page. "When a bus stops, assume children are present and stop accordingly."
The Patrol encourages motorists to report reckless or impaired drivers and suspected drug activity by calling #677.
The Martins Ferry Police Department also reminded motorists to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and use extra caution in school zones.
"A new school year means more children and families on our roads," the department said. "Let's work together to make sure our students have a safe and successful school year."