Next week is National School Bus Safety Week, a reminder that everyone shares responsibility for keeping our students safe on the road.

More than 26 million students ride nearly 480,000 yellow school buses across the country every school day, and school buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation. However, most serious injuries happen outside the bus when students are getting on or off, or when drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus.

In Tennessee, nearly 700,000 students ride close to 9,500 buses each day. The message is simple: everyone shares the road and the responsibility.

• Always stop for flashing red lights — from both directions unless you’re on a divided highway.
• Pay close attention near school zones, bus stops, and neighborhoods where children are present.

During School Bus Safety Week, some police officers will monitor bus routes and enforce school bus stop violations. Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-151 states that if you are convicted of not stopping for a school bus stop sign, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00.

Please pay attention and keep our children safe!