Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Craig County Public Schools issued a reminder this week urging drivers to follow Virginia school bus safety laws to protect students traveling to and from school.
In a letter dated Sept. 23, Superintendent Jason A. Wheeler said student safety remains the division’s top priority and called on all motorists to stay alert, particularly during morning and afternoon commute times.
“When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended, all drivers must stop; this includes drivers approaching from the front or behind,” Wheeler wrote. “Failing to stop puts children and other drivers at serious risk.”
Wheeler outlined several key reminders for drivers:
- Stop at least 20 feet from the bus when the stop sign arm is extended.
- Remain stopped until the bus lights are off and the stop sign is retracted.
- Use extra caution on rural routes and near bus stops where children may cross the road.
- Slow down and prepare to stop when yellow lights are flashing as the bus prepares to stop.
Wheeler thanked motorists for doing their part to keep students safe and emphasized that the responsibility is shared across the community.
“Our students and parents rely on every driver in our community to help protect our children as they travel to and from school,” he said. “Together, we can make sure every child gets to school and home safely.”
Craig County Public Schools serves students across one of the most rural regions in Western Virginia, where bus routes often span narrow and winding roads.
For more information, visit craig.k12.va.us.