Letter: School bus safety is community effort

Dear Editor:
Now that we are back in school for the 2nd semester, I want to remind everyone to be careful as you travel before and after school hours.

Many of our students bike and walk to school even in the colder weather. They count on drivers to look out for them as they cross our busier streets.

Also, while we realize it does take time for our busses to load and unload, please do not pass a school bus with amber or red flashing lights flashing lightly.  These lights are to warn motorists that children are getting on or off the bus.

The law requires you stop before meeting or overtaking a school bus which is loading or unloading passengers on a two lane roadway.  You must remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights are turned off.

Illinois law says the driving privileges of a motorist passing a stopped school bus will be suspended for 3 months on the first offense and one year for the second offense, if the second occurs within 5 years.  Additionally, the fine for the first offense is $150 with the second offense being $500.

Please travel safely and look out for our students. Thank You

Michael Smith
Superintendent
Tuscola CUSD #301