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Florida celebrates National School Bus Safety Week on Oct. 18-22, 2010, reminding all motorists to exercise caution as school buses hit the roads and highways each day. Schools and safety advocates throughout the Sunshine State are using the week as an opportunity to highlight the importance of school bus safety. Florida’s theme for the week, Stop on Red, Kids Ahead, reminds motorists that they must stop when a school bus flashes its red lights and extends its stop arms.
"As drivers, we have a responsibility to students everywhere to know and obey the school bus laws," said Rob Davis, director of operations. "Polk District Schools is pleased to participate in the Stop on Red, Kids Ahead campaign to bring attention to this important public safety topic."
The state of Florida has launched a website, FloridaSchoolBusSafety.gov, to explain the road rules to follow when approaching a school bus that is stopped or preparing to stop. The website provides quick reference and useful tips for drivers and for students.
"When transportation is required, school buses are the safest way for students to get to and from school," said Rob Davis."This week is an excellent time to teach and reiterate to students and parents simple measures they can take while going to and from the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding in the bus. It also gives us a chance to thank and honor the professionals who devote themselves to transporting our most precious cargo."
For years, school buses have provided safe access to learning for Florida’s school children through secure and dependable transportation to schools. The safety of the yellow school bus is unparalleled by any other means of automotive transportation. School buses are equipped with more safety features than any other vehicle and are required to meet numerous safety specifications, including state and federal requirements. In addition, all public school bus operators receive rigorous, specialized training on a variety of topics before they can take the wheel behind the big yellow bus.
More than one million students ride the school bus in Florida each day, with more than 26 million schoolchildren transported in 480,000 school buses nationwide.
To learn more about Florida’s school bus passing law, visit FloridaSchoolBusSafety.gov.