YCSO reminds drivers of back-to-school safety measures

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the community to be aware of for the back-to-school season.

YCSO will be targeting school zones and bus stops to enforce state laws with a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, according to a press release from YCSO.

Authorities said that back to school means sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and school buses. They also remind drivers to slow down, as school days bring in more congestion.

YCSO said it’s a critical time for drivers to be more aware, especially when kids are present, both before and after school.

Drivers will also be sharing the road with school buses.

YCSO said if you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car.

This will allow more time to stop once the school bus starts flashing the yellow lights.

In all 50 states, it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children, according to YCSO.

A few other tips include:

Never pass a bus from behind, or from either direction, if you’re on an undivided road if it’s stopped to load or unload children. If yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, all traffic must stop The 10 foot area around a school bus is most dangerous for children – stop far enough to allow a safe space for children to enter and exit the bus. Be alert! Children are unpredictable and could ignore hazards and take risks. YCSO said by exercising extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.