Dr. Fred Czerwonka, Superintendent of West Plains R-VII Schools, announced today that the week of October 18^th to October 22^nd is National School Bus Safety Week. "Governor Jay Nixon has signed a proclamation and called on the citizens of the state to exercise constant courtesy and caution when near school buses," said Czerwonka.

"During School Bus Safety Week," added Czerwonka, "we want to inform the citizens of our district about our pupil transportation program. We are also asking for their cooperation in helping us to maintain or even improve our safety record. Our school bus drivers are doing a great job, but they need the cooperation of other motorists."

"School buses are big business," said Bob Pekarek, Transportation Director of West Plains R-VII Schools. "Last year, we carried 1200 students to and from school and traveled 1000 miles each day."

Pekarek went on to explain that besides being big business, pupil transportation is also important business. "Our main concern is safety. We maintain our buses in safe condition and the Missouri State Highway Patrol inspects them. Both drivers and students are given instruction in safety. In addition, this year marks the 5^th year in a row West Plains R-VII Schools received 90% or better and the 2^nd year in a row the District received 100% or better."

Pekarek also explained that one of the greatest hazards comes from motorists who do not observe the school bus lighting system. In Missouri we use an 8-light school bus warning system. These lights are located on the front and rear of the bus near the top where you see the SCHOOL BUS sign. The lamps are used to warn other traffic about what the school bus is doing. When the bus is approaching a loading or unloading area, the yellow lights will flash. Red lights will flash when the bus is stopped to load or unload students and a stop arm will be extended from the side of the bus.

This system was adopted because it more closely follows other traffic regulations. The alternately flashing yellow lights mean CAUTION to other motorists because the bus is preparing to stop. The flashing red lights and stop arm mean STOP.

One of the most common driver complaints, according to Pekarek is that other motorists frequently violate the school bus stop law. "Motorists are required to stop for stopped school buses that are displaying flashing red lights and a stop arm.  Sometimes the drivers are not fully alert and pass a stopped school bus. This is a very dangerous situation for the children, especially the younger ones who may not be watching traffic as closely as they should."

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