August is here and that means its almost time to send the kids back to school. The City of Edgerton reminds drivers to pay extra attention in school zones and slow down.
Whether you’re rushing to work or running errands, here is a quick refresher on what every driver needs to know when sharing the road with school buses.
Know the Flashers
Flashing Amber/Yellow Lights:
This is your early warning signal. The bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop yourself—do not speed up to pass before the door opens.
Flashing Red Lights & Extended Stop Sign:
Stop immediately. Children are actively entering or exiting the vehicle. You must remain stopped until the red lights turn off, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving.
Questions about when you have to stop for a school bus? Read more from the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office.
Mind the “Danger Zone”
The ten feet immediately surrounding a school bus is known as the Danger Zone. This is where blind spots are largest and young children are hardest to see—especially when crossing in front of the bus. Give buses extra space so you can see smaller kids.
Edgerton employs a crossing guard in front of Edgerton Elementary. Make sure to wave hi to Dolly and please stop if she’s got her stop sign out! Please pay attention to the flashing yellow lights to alert you when the school zone speed limit is active.
School season also means more young drivers on the road especially before school and as school lets out. Give new drivers extra space and patience.
