Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are asking motorists to remain vigilant as the new school terms begins soon.
New Philadelphia Post Lt. Johnnie Maier says they are sending a safety message to keep students and all other drivers safe.
“Remain vigilant around the school buses. Make sure they’re watching for that bus that’s going to stop or may stop. If that stop does occur the bus is going to have red flashing lights and that would be the indication for a vehicle to stop at least 10 feet away, and they should remain stopped until the school bus begins to move again.”
Maier says the patrol investigates all calls throughout the year of drivers passing stopped school buses. He adds that troopers monitor several key areas.
“Buckeye Career Center has experienced some students either on Ridge, even coming down University, and out on State Route 39 where students have been involved in accidents and those are particular areas we’ll be watching as school starts again. We’re not trying to go out there and give a bunch of tickets. We’re simply out there trying to make sure people are safe.”
Maier adds they also oversee inspections.
“Everything from the mechanics to the safety features. All buses will get inspected and they’ll be inspected before school starts by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.”
During the school term, troopers will follow buses at times to watch for violations and enforce drivers to not pass a stopped school bus.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2025