Back to School, Back to Safety

It's something that parents can feel more comfortable about: according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) traveling by school bus is seven times safer than traveling by a car or truck. In fact, NHTSA says that “school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school.”

However, the State of Wisconsin takes no chances, and enlists the Wisconsin State Patrol to inspect each school bus in Wisconsin every year. Last year, the State Patrol performed 10,143 school bus inspections. Inspectors closely examine brakes, steering, lights, tires, electrical systems and other required safety equipment during an inspection.

In addition to annual examinations of all school buses, the State Patrol conducts spot checks and pre-sale inspections.

“Our inspectors use their knowledge and experience to protect children,” says State Patrol Lt. Brian Ausloos of the Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Students, from pre-school through high school, ride buses to and from school. Many others ride school buses on field trips or to extracurricular activities. It’s our job to help make sure that every school bus is ready to do its job safely.”

The Muskego Police Department also issued a reminder for drivers of other vehicles about their role in school bus safety as well.

"Where there are buses, children are sure to be close. Too often people forget the rules when driving around buses, so this is a quick reminder," said Lt. Dave Constantineau.

He said the most commonly misunderstood, but most important rule is to stop when you see flashing red lights on the bus.

"It doesn’t matter if you see a stop sign on the bus; it doesn’t matter if the gate on the front of the bus is out; it doesn’t matter if you see children; you must stop. It is too easy to say the stop sign wasn’t out or there weren’t any kids around, but all it takes is one late 1st grader to come running across the road and everyone’s life will change forever."

In addition, vehicles behind and oncoming should stop at least 20 feet from a school bus, which is equivalent to one and a half car lengths.

Officials stress all of these steps will help to ensure a safe trip to school, as well as a safe return home for all of our kids.