A New School Year Begins

This week many school districts across the state will begin a new school year. KHP Troopers have been busy inspecting over 9,000 school buses and activity vehicles in preparation for the new school year. Annually school buses are inspected to ensure they are compliant with safety regulations, and are safe for the transportation of children to and from school.

While these inspections are important, they are not the only safety measures needed to ensure the safety of our children. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to teach their children how to be safe around school buses. When boarding, children should be taught to stay clear of the school bus until it has come to a complete stop, all warning lights and stop arm have been activated, and the door has opened. They should check to make sure all traffic has come to a stop before crossing any roads. When departing the bus, children should remain seated until it has come to a complete stop, warning lights and stop arm are activated and the driver has opened the door. Children departing the bus should check for traffic before crossing any roads, and should move a safe distance away from the bus while it drives away.

Motorists driving in the vicinity of a school bus should be reminded that it is illegal, and extremely dangerous to pass a school bus displaying an activated stop arm and red lights. (KHP troopers occasionally ride along in school buses to observe for illegal passing and other violations, they radio the violations to other troopers in the area for enforcement action.) Passing a school bus displaying a stop arm and lights carries a fine of $315, plus court costs of $93.50.

Motorists driving in the vicinity of schools need to be aware of school speed zones, children crossing the street, and should avoid distracted driving of any kind.

Parents, if you transport your children to school, make sure all occupants in your vehicle are restrained in the proper type of safety restraint, no matter the distance you are traveling.

Students, if you are driving to school, make sure you are abiding by the restrictions placed on your driving privileges, avoid distracted driving of any kind, and ensure that you and your passengers are properly restrained.

We wish each of you a safe school year!


Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.