For the past few months, drivers have not had to worry about school buses and school zone speed limits. However, as summer comes to a close, drivers will once again have to watch for an increased flux of pedestrians, bus stops and lower speed limits. The Cincinnati injury attorneys at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy recognize that more than 200 injury-related school bus crashes were reported in 2012 and that more than 1,100 pedestrians under the age of 15 were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Due to these numbers, the attorneys at the firm are advising motorists and bus riders to adhere to the following safety tips. For drivers:
- Always stop when a bus for a bus picking up or dropping off students, including on any undivided roadway
- Drivers should stop behind the bus, not as close as possible. The area 10 feet around a school bus is where children are in danger of being hit
- Always watch for school zone signs and decreased speed limits near schools
- Watch for children riding bicycles near school zones
- Wait for the bus on the sidewalk and avoid being too close to the curb
- Never cross the street behind the bus
- When crossing in front of a school bus, walk 10 steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you
- Always walk on the sidewalk
- If riding a bicycle, always wear a helmet
- Obey all crosswalk signs and do not dart out in front of traffic
