Local schools back in session next week

By Kaye Collins

Horry County School District elementary, middle and high schools are prepared for students to return to the hallways on Monday, Aug. 18.

Loris and Daisy Elementary school begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.; Loris Middle School begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m.; and Loris High School morning bell begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. All school zone speed limit is 35 mph from 7 to 8 a.m. and again from 2:15 to 3 p.m.

While the summer months have given drivers freedom from slowing in a school zone or stopping for a school bus loading or unloading students, now is the time for drivers to pay attention to their surroundings. Early mornings students ages 5 to 18 are standing by the roadside waiting for their school bus to arrive, slow down because children can be unpredictable. The big yellow bus has yellow and red flashing lights and an arm with a ‘stop’ sign to signal the bus is preparing to stop to pick up and drop off students. All vehicles on a two-lane road must stop in both directions until the bus stop sign and flashing lights end. On a four-lane roadway vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Driving awareness is the key to safety for students who ride the school bus to and from school Monday through Friday.

Distracted drivers are the most dangerous for school age children traveling to and from school with a parent or guardian. In preparation to prevent situations that could cause delays, distractions and rushing to get to school on time is to be organized and set out clothes, shoes and other school items the night before.

The first week of the school year safety on the road could reduce congestion, distracted drivers getting their children to and from school safely.

Knowing the rules of the road is important to keep the school children safe while getting on and off the school bus. When driving behind a school bus allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. School buses make frequent stops and will first turn on the yellow flashing lights to allow drivers in both directions know that they are planning to stop. Once the flashing lights are on no driver can legally pass the school bus. The bus driver will then put out the stop sign while children enter or depart the bus. Some children cross the street to return home in front of the bus. Be patient and wait for the ‘all-clear’.

It is helpful for children who ride the bus to know the rules of the road as well as the policies and procedures while riding the bus and how to cross in front of the bus to return home. The Horry County School bus drivers watch the children and traffic as children run to catch the bus or depart to return home. Many ask the students to keep an eye on the driver as they will watch all directions and warn students to stop should a vehicle attempt to pass as the bus is stopped, then they will motion for the students to continue on. The 10 foot area around a school bus is the most dangerous for children, drivers are requested to stop far enough back to allow the children to enter and exit the bus safely. Be alert, children are often unpredictable.

According to the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in a bus-related incident are between the ages of four to seven and are walking after exiting a school bus. A list of incidents includes a motorist illegally passing a stopped school bus, not paying attention to the road or not using caution when a school bus is stopped to allow children to enter or depart the bus. A few precautions go a long way in keeping children safe.

Parents can help their children understand the rules of riding the school bus by talking with them frequently reminding them of school bus safety. Remind children to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop, never put their head or arms out the bus window, remain quiet and do not make loud noises that could distract the bus driver. Children play an important role to keep their bus ride safe. They are responsible for their own safety and can contribute to the safety of the other children riding the bus by following these simple rules.

Children waiting for the school bus in the mornings are not always monitored by a parent. Parents are reminded to speak with their children to stay safe they should always stay on the left side of the street facing the traffic. While waiting for the school bus to arrive stay at the bus stop, do not wander down the street, do not speak to strangers, do not go into the street, and do not roughhouse, run or play with friends while waiting for the school bus to arrive. When the school bus approaches stay away from the street, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the door is open before stepping into the road.  Enter the bus without pushing or rushing. Once on the bus quickly find a seat and sit down and remain seated.  Keep your book bag on your lap.

Once the school bus has dropped a child at the bus stop assigned to them, they should immediately walk home. If the child leaves an item on the bus do not approach the bus or run after the bus, the item will be turned into the bus office and can be reclaimed the next school day.

It is not only the parent who keeps a child safe entering or exiting a school bus, everyone is responsible for the children’s safety to arrive to school and home safely.

Drivers beware that the Horry County Police Department is monitoring school zones and traffic to assure the safety of all students. The minimum penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus are $500 and six points for a first offense, and $2,000 and six points for a second offense.

Stay informed and updated on the times the school bus begins the route to pick up children to take them to school, the buses begin their routes at 6 a.m. When our region returns to daylight saving time in November early morning it will be dark and children will be more difficult to see on the side of the road. Parents can help their child to be seen by adding reflective tape on a child’s jacket or backpack. Be aware, be alert and stay safe.

Parents who have teenagers who drive to school, remind them of their responsibility to obey the rules of the road as they travel to and from school.