With school back in session, it’s important for drivers to slow down and pay attention when kids are present. When a school bus stops and displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, that means children are entering or exiting the bus. Do not attempt to pass the bus.

• On a two-lane roadway, all lanes of traffic must stop when red lights are flashing on the bus. Motorists coming both directions should stop at least 20 feet from the school bus to give children room to cross.
• On a four-lane roadway, only the lanes of traffic going the same direction as the bus must stop behind the bus. The school bus driver will not make children cross two lanes of opposing traffic to reach their homes.
• On a one-way roadway, all lanes of traffic must stop behind the bus. It does not matter how wide the road is. Passing a school bus with flashing red lights is not allowed when all traffic is traveling in the same direction.
• At railroad crossings, all school buses are required by law to stop. Do not attempt to pass the bus on the tracks or cross until the bus has safely crossed.

Here are some other safety tips to remember:

• School zone speed limit signs mandate 20 mph from 7am to 4pm on school days when children are present.
• Motorists must stop – not just yield – for pedestrians, including bicyclists and school crossing guards, in all crosswalks, even when there are no traffic signals or stop signs. Illinois law makes disobeying a crossing guard a moving violation. Follow their instructions to stop or proceed.
• Keep hands-free cell phone calls to a minimum, especially in traffic.