School buses will be back on the road soon, and drivers who haven’t encountered them in a few months could probably use a refresher before the academic year begins.

Ohio’s Traffic Safety Office has a few tips.

Remember, the law REQUIRES drivers to stop for a stopped school bus if they are behind the bus; and, if on a two-lane road, if they are in the opposite lane of traffic. Students may be crossing the road after they hop off the bus.

Pay attention to whether that stop sign and lights have been activated on the bus. There is no shortage of signals to indicate another driver needs to stop.

However, Judy Converse, public information officer for the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, made an important point.

“A lot of people stop just to be cautious. We don’t really recommend that because when you stop when you’re not supposed to, you become a hazard in the road,” she told WBNS.

Drivers must pay attention.

Be aware of the situation, and always keep a look out for not only buses, but the children who are headed away from them.

The OTSO has even created a safety campaign, “Stop Means Stop,” to sharpen drivers’ focus.

According to the agency, the Ohio State Highway Patrol issued 735 citations for drivers who failed to stop for school buses in 2023. That was an 18% INCREASE over the previous year.

It is baffling to think drivers are becoming even more careless when the lives of children are at stake. But that seems to be the case.

Don’t fall into the trend. Pay attention, use caution, and remember the law: Stop means stop.