Hoosier Parents Teach Your Kids to Play It SAFE With The School Bus Tips

It's time to send the kids back to school and for many families across Indiana who utilize the bus systems in their school districts, it means making sure students know to how to be SAFE.

Arrive to the Bus Stop at Least 5 Minutes Early

In Southern Indiana, the Evansville Police Department reminds everyone of the importance of school bus safety. In a post to Facebook, the Evansville Police Department says students should arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes before their scheduled pick up time.

How to Play It SAFE

Additionally, they stress the importance of teaching children to "play it SAFE," while sharing a clever acronym to help you remember.

S - Stay at least 10 feet, or "five giant steps" from the curb.

A - Always wait until the bus is fully stopped and the bus driver tells you it's safe to get onto the bus.

F - Face forward after you find your seat on the bus.

E -  Exit the bus after it has come to a complete stop and be sure to check both directions before crossing to the other side of the street.

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More Useful School Bus Safety from NHTSA

The Evansville Police Department also shared a linked to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website where you can find tons of other useful information.

What the Yellow and Red Lights Mean on the School Bus

Remember with school back in session, you may encounter a school bus on Indiana roads. NHTSA reminds you what the lights on a school bus mean to other motorists.

A yellow flashing light means the school bus is about to stop to either load or unload children. If you see a yellow flashing light, you should slow your vehicle and be prepared to stop.

A red flashing light with an extended stop arm  means the school bus has stopped. You must stop  your vehicle. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, there are children present. Only when the red light is no longer flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving again, may you continue to drive again.

Here's When You Have to Stop According to Indiana Law

If you want to know when you have to stop for a school bus, for example if there are more than two lanes, or there is a median, check out the details shared by Indiana State Police Sergeant Todd Ringle.

[Source: EPD via Facebook; NHTSA]