School bus safety: tips for drivers from St. Joseph Police

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – With students returning to school, the St. Joseph Police Department is reminding drivers to use extra caution around school buses and in school zones.

Here are some tips from Sergeant Kylie Van Meter, supervisor of the department's School Resource Officer (SRO) unit, on safe driving around school buses:

Never pass a school bus from behind or from either direction when it is stopped, unloading or loading children

All traffic must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its red or yellow lights flashing and the stop arm extended.

Van Meter noted that the area within 10 feet of a school bus is particularly dangerous for children.

Make sure you stop far enough back to allow kids to safely enter and exit the bus. 

Drivers are encouraged to stay alert, as children may act unpredictably and may not always be aware of surrounding traffic hazards.