In conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, observed from October 16 to 20, Pomona Police Department is emphasizing compliance with traffic laws around stopped school buses. The department emphasizes the pressing need for all motorists to ensure the safety of children and caregivers while on the roads, according to the Pomona Police Department.
The third week of October annually brings together parents, teachers, bus drivers, school administrators, and law enforcement to foster awareness about school bus safety and its role as a safe transportation alternative for children. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that bus travel is the safest method for children to get to and from school, a sentiment that is steadfastly supported by the Pomona Police Department.
The NHTSA states that, from 2000 to 2021, crashes involving a driver unlawfully passing a stopped school bus caused 53 fatalities, including 25 pedestrians under the age of 18.
California law states that drivers must fully stop their vehicles in both directions when a school bus displays flashing red lights, with a few exceptions. These guidelines motivate drivers to remain halted until the red lights are deactivated and children have securely exited or entered the bus. The regulation aims to confirm the safety of students utilizing school bus services every day.
Captain Trevor Stevenson, with the Pomona Police Department, underscores the collective effort needed to maintain road safety. "We all have a responsibility to ensure road safety, especially during National School Bus Safety Week. Let's prioritize our children's safety by stopping for school buses, thus making each school trip safer," as noted by Nixle.
The California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, provides funding for the program advocating for National School Bus Safety Week. The program emphasizes the urgent need to stop for school buses nationwide.
