It’s always important to practice safe driving, but it’s especially critical to use extra caution when commuting during hours when school buses are picking up and dropping off children.

Plymouth Police Department recently met with transportation provider First Student to hear firsthand from school bus drivers about concerning behavior motorists exhibit when school buses are in the area.

“These types of violations put the wellbeing of children at risk,” Plymouth Patrol Captain Pete Johnson said. “So this meeting is a great chance for collaboration between First Student and the Plymouth Police Department to address school bus stop-arm violations and to educate the public.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there have been more than 530 school bus crashes in Minnesota within the past five years. Drivers and parents doing their part to ensure a safe commute to school means understanding state law and keeping safety tips in mind at all times.

To keep students safe, the Plymouth Police Department offers the following tips for motorists:

• Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads. 
• Red flashing lights indicate that students are either entering or exiting the bus.
• Reduce speed in all school and residential areas and pay close attention to children running towards bus stops or buses.
• Altering a route or schedule to avoid a bus is a helpful method to improve safety. 
• Keep alert to school crossing patrols and pedestrians and reduce speed in school zones.
• Stop to allow pedestrians to use crosswalks – it’s the law.
• Put the phone down – distracted driving is a serious risk to everyone on the road.
• Teach children to use sidewalks and designated crosswalks safely.
• Work out a safe route to school and walk the route with children before school opens. 
• Use the buddy system – if possible, have neighborhood children walk to and from school together.

Plymouth Police also encourage families to have discussions with their children about safety when traveling to school. Children who understand where they can wait and how to walk around the bus are more likely to avoid a potential accident.

Anyone who is uncertain about a law or regulation relating to bus traffic may contact the Plymouth Police Department at 763-509-5160.