State Rep. Jack Jordan urges drivers to stay alert as students head back to school

State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) is asking drivers to stay alert and keep students safe this school year

It's that time of year again! As students across the state head back to school, more school buses will be on the road, reminding drivers to slow down and follow the laws that help keep Hoosier kids safe.

Jordan said, “Our goal is to keep students safe while ensuring drivers are aware of school bus stop procedures. State law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Failure to do so can result in a traffic ticket and your driver's license being suspended.”

Here are helpful reminders from the Indiana State Police on how to navigate the roads as school buses pick up and drop off students:

Two-lane roadways: If a school bus stops on a two-lane road and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.

Multi-lane roadways with no barrier between lanes: When a school bus stops on a multi-lane roadway without a barrier, and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, all motorists MUST stop.

Multi-lane roadway with a grassy and/or concrete barrier: When a school bus stops and the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, only vehicles behind the bus MUST stop.

Vehicles that are approaching from the opposite side are NOT required to stop. 

Above all, slow down and be alert to the increased number of pedestrians and bus stops on your commutes. Students should also pay attention while crossing streets and at bus stops.

To learn more about student safety tips, click here.

Jordan closed his release saying, “I wish Hoosiers a fun and terrific start to the school year, and let's all do our part to make sure they arrive at and from school safely!”