(Pikesville, MD) – As school reopens throughout the state during the next few weeks, state troopers across Maryland are urging parents to give children a safety briefing and urging motorists to be aware of young pedestrians.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan has directed commanders at each barracks to conduct school bus enforcement initiatives appropriate for their jurisdiction. This will include dedicated patrols that target motorists failing to stop for school buses picking up or discharging children.
“This is an important time of year, as children will again be walking to school or gathering at bus stops,” Colonel Sheridan said. “As we put ‘families first’ in Maryland, I urge parents to talk with their children about safety, whether they walk to school or ride the bus. Teach them to look both ways before crossing a street and to use a crosswalk if available. Remind them to stand as far off the roadway as possible while waiting for the school bus and to be sure the bus driver can see them before they walk in front of a stopped bus.”
Children should be taught about the ‘danger zone,’ a perimeter of ten feet around the bus within which are blind spots where drivers cannot see students. Children should always stay outside that perimeter when walking around the bus.
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