What Greene County police are doing for National School Bus Safety Week

This week, Oct. 22 to 26, is National School Bus Safety Week, which is to remind motorists, students and school bus drivers the important role they have in children’s safety, according to a release.

Before stopping, school buses show yellow warning lights that show the bus is about to stop. Once stopped, flashing lights and a stop sign are showed.

Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving the same direction as the bus must stop.

From 2015 to 2017 in Ohio, 4,198 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a stopped school bus and 4,036 traffic crashed involving school buses occurred, read the release.

“School buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school,” said Xenia Post Commander Lt. Matt Schmenk of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Along with the watchful eyes of our school bus drivers, the cooperation of motorists, parents and children will make this a safe school year in Ohio.”

The OSP, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Beavercreek Police Department, Fairborn Police Department and the Xenia Police Division will be visible this week along school bus routes and school zones to ensure the safety of students.

Greene County Sgt. John Chesser told News Center 7's Gabrielle Enright he was out before the sun Monday following school buses to keep an eye on other drivers.

“I’m watching to make sure they’re obeying the traffic laws,” he said. “Sometimes they’re not paying attention, sometimes it’s the ignorance of the law.”

State troopers say bus drivers can report violations, which could result in a ticket that could cost as much as $200.

“When we write someone a citation, they’ll get the message,” said Chesser.