The school year is starting again this week in Troup County, and school buses will be mixed back in with the morning traffic. We thought it would be a good idea to remind everyone of driving alongside school bus safety tips as we all get back into the swing of the school year.

According to the National Safety Council’s website, drivers need to slow down and pay attention when children are present. Students can be unpredictable and take risks.

According to Stanford Children’s Health, 19 fatalities occur every year when getting on an off the bus and most of those children are 5 to 7-years-old.

Follow school buses at a greater distance than you would allow a car since it will give you more time to stop when it slows. The areas 10 feet in front, behind and beside the bus are considered a danger zone, according to Stanford Children’s Health.

Additionally, always watch for children playing or waiting near bus stops. When a bus is stopped and loading, be alert for children who are hurrying to make it and may not be checking traffic, according to Stanford Children’s Health.

Always stop when the bus stops. It is illegal to pass a bus that is stopped to load or unload students.

It can be frustrating to constantly stop, but you should always take extra caution when children’s safety is at stake. If you are worried about getting to work on time with the added traffic, leave home a few minutes early before the buses pick up at their stops.

With a little caution and awareness, you can prevent major accidents.