Back to school: Officials promote student and school bus safety
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — It's back-to-school season, which means you will find more school buses out on the roads.
"Those kids are excited to come back and see us again and we missed them, so we're happy and we want to make sure that everybody is safe," Kanawha County Schools Transportation Supervisor Teresa Cochran said.
Eyewitness News wants your opinion on school bus safety. Take our poll below on whether you believe it's safe for your kids to ride the bus to school.
In 2019, 39 states took part in a one-day survey on the illegal passing of school buses. According to the report, there were more than 95,000 unlawful passes made near school buses, and that number is increasing.
"If you see the red lights on stop, that's the most crucial part of the year, when the buses are out and kids are crossing the roads and everybody just needs to be aware that when the buses are out there, there are kids somewhere around the area," saidBrian Newhouse, electronic technology and school bus driver operator trainer.
Additionally, you could be fined for illegally passing a school bus. West Virginia law states that the minimum fine for a first violation is at least $500 and the minimum fine for a second offense is at least $1,000, both of which carry a potential jail sentence of up to six months.
"Money and a paycheck is something, but making sure these kids are taken care of is more than enough," Cochran said.
As a back-to-school safety reminder, remember to slow down, refrain from texting and driving and stop when you see those red flashing lights.
"Every time you see a bus, those kids are out there waiting, and if the lights are on, that could be a kid's life flashing before your eyes," Cochran said.
Students and faculty want to remind you to look out for those yellow school buses as they get ready for the start of the new year.
"Pay attention to your areas where the buses travel the most," Newhouse said. "Be cautious around school zones. School zones are going to be very crowded. Be patient and let's all have a great year."
