Think safety around buses

Published 6:14 pm Tuesday, September 10, 2019

A fatal school bus crash in Walnut Tuesday is an important reminder of the need for caution when it comes to buses.

A driver was killed and eight children were injured after a school bus rolled over in northern Mississippi. The crash did not involve another vehicle, and appears to have been caused when the driver suffered a medical emergency.

Benton County Coroner Larry Hobson said the driver, 63-year-old Chester Cole, appeared to his clutch his chest and slumped over in his seat before the crash, The Associated Press reported.

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Eight injured children were taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Though a crash like this is rare — and wasn’t caused by another vehicle — motorists should remember to be careful when sharing the road with buses.

Give them plenty of room — students may not be paying attention to traffic when they get off a bus. Below are a few more rules to keep in mind regarding school buses:

• Never pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children.

• Traffic must stop if the buses flashing light or “stop” arm is extended.

• Always be alert to children approaching a stopped bus.

• Be aware that some streets near schools may close or have reduced speed limits during school hours.