New Hampshire Police Conduct Operation Safe Stop

NASHUA, NH - Today, as part of Operation Safe Stop Day, motorists are urged to follow the law and come to a full stop when approaching a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

According to a release from the Nashua School District, New Hampshire, Hillsborough and Nashua police officers will be conducting Operation Safe Stop throughout the day in a concerted, state-wide blanket patrol in an effort designed to raise awareness of the dangers of passing a stopped school bus loading/unloading students.

The goal is to raise awareness and urge motorists to abide the law and, in turn, keep students safe.

What Children Should Be Taught About School Bus Safety

• Wait until the driver says it is safe to board. Then get on one at a time.
• Once you’re off the school bus, walk five giant steps from the front of the bus, cross in front of the bus when the driver indicates it is safe, stop at the edge of the bus - look left-right-left again for traffic, and if there’s no traffic, cross the street.
• Ask the driver for help if you drop something while getting on or off the school bus.
• Keep your loose items inside your backpack or book bag.
• Once on the school bus, go directly to your seat and sit down facing forward.
• Remain in your seat facing forward when the school bus is moving.
• Be respectful of the school bus driver, and always obey his or her instructions.

Tips for Parents

• If your children ride the school bus, walk with them to the bus stop and wait with them until they get on the school bus.

Tips to Increase Your Child’s School Bus Safety

Even safer than riding in your own vehicle, riding on a school bus is the safest way for your child to travel to and from school. The greatest risk is not riding the school bus, but approaching or leaving it, so children need to be especially careful around the school bus “danger zone,” which is the 10 feet in front, behind and on each side of the school bus.

• Tell children to use the handrails when they get on and off the school bus, and be careful of drawstrings and book bag straps that could get caught in the handrails and doors.
• When driving in neighborhoods and school zones, watch out for young people who may be distracted and not thinking about safety.
• Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near school bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the school bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Courtesy Photo / Jeffrey Hastings Photography