School will be finally back in session and for twenty-three million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk for these children is not riding the bus, but when they are approaching or leaving the bus. Both children and adults must know and follow traffic safety rules designed to keep them safe.

Children should arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps or six feet away from the street or curb. Do not cross the road or enter the bus until the driver says or signals that it is okay. Never walk behind the bus or along side the bus where the bus driver is not able to see you.

Drivers must approach a school bus cautiously; prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing, and always come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus when its overhead red lights are flashing. Be especially alert where children congregate near bus stops.

Some newer model cars automatically turn the headlights on when the outside light reaches a low level, and then off when the vehicle is turned off which saves the battery should we forget to turn them off. Other cars are being manufactured with "daytime running lights" which are on whenever the vehicle is running. In fact, daytime running lights are mandatory on new cars sold in Canada, Finland, and Sweden.

In 1996 there were more than 435,000 traffic crashes on Michigan roadways -- nearly 1200 every day! With 9.6 million people living in Michigan, your chances of being in a traffic crash are 1 in 22 during the next 12 months! Michigan State Police Troopers urge you to give yourself every advantage you can. If your vehicle does not have daytime running lights, upgrade kits are available for many makes and models, or simply turn on your headlights!