The school bus is a great resource for children to travel to and from school. Much of the school year in Alaska involves colder weather, making it important to consider school bus safety in winter months.
Gear Children Up
Parents can prepare children to ensure they arrive to school and back home safely. In winter, it is important to remember that children need to be bundled up in layers. Buses can break down or heaters may not work properly. Children can get sick changing temperatures from entering and exiting the bus.
It is also important for children to wear reflective gear when traveling via bus because days are short in Alaska. Children traveling alone to the bus stop or children that are first on or last off especially need to be seen by drivers. Many schools try to route bus stops close to children’s homes. If the bus stop is further from your home and your child walks to their stop, it may be advantageous to give your child a flashlight to carry.
Driving Around School Buses
When driving near a school bus route or during peak hours, look for school buses regularly. Do not follow too closely as school buses take longer to stop. Icy roads and snow buildup may delay stopping time for buses. If you see a school bus pulled over on the side of the road, slow down and keep an eye out for the driver or children when passing. School bus drivers often need to stop to add chains to tires, clean the windshield or windows and ensure overall safety.
When a school bus has the stop sign up, stop your vehicle and wait. Children sometimes run out in front of vehicles because they are distracted or do not know better. It is up to you to keep kids safe by paying attention when a school bus is nearby.
School buses are sometimes involved in accidents. If this happens, you may need to file claims for injuries sustained in the accident.
For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
