With school back in session, Storm Lake Public Safety officials remind the public to drive with extra caution in neighborhoods and school zones, and follow state school bus traffic laws.
The American Automobile Association offers seven ways to keep kids safe this school year. Tips for drivers include slowing down, eliminate distractions, come to a complete stop, and watch for bicycles. Other tips include talking to your teenage driver, as more than a quarter of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 to 7pm. Every vehicle has blind spots, therefore check for children on the sidewalk, driveway, and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Also, teach your children to never play in, under, or around vehicles, even those that are parked.
In 2012, the Iowa Legislature passed “Kadyn’s Law” after a seven-year-old girl was struck by a pickup while trying to cross a street to board a bus. The law increased criminal penalties for passing a stopped school bus. A flashing yellow signal on a bus shows that it is preparing to stop for a child to board or exit, and traffic should be ready to stop.
Students are reminded to stop and look both ways before crossing a street, make sure your bus driver can see you when you are crossing in front of the bus, and never cross behind the bus. Also when getting on or off the bus, never cross the street until the bus driver signals it’s ok to cross.
