An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Students, drivers! Don't take a break from safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With the school year beginning soon, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety Office would like to remind Airmen to be aware of students entering and exiting school buses.

"After the summer hiatus, buses will be back in the streets and neighborhoods, but we are not used to seeing them," said Stephen Hagler, 22nd ARW Safety Office occupational safety technician. "We want to stress that you are attentive and not distracted while driving because kids may run out into the street if they are late and not paying attention to vehicular traffic."

All incoming and ongoing traffic must stop when a school bus activates flashing red lights and its stop signal arm, according to Kansas Statute K.S.A. 8-1556. The only exception is if the oncoming traffic has a barrier seperating the roadways.

It is a illegal to disregard the statute, but more importantly, young lives are at stake.

"We would rather not investigate the unfortunate mishap of an injured child, so please follow the laws," said Hagler. "A family would be greatly affected if their child is hurt or killed."

Being cautious and obeying the law will help ensure the safety of students.

"We want everyone to caution themselves, slow down and pay attention to children getting onto and off buses to prevent an accident from happening," said Staff Sgt. Chelsie McCall, 22nd ARW occupational safety technician.

For more information contact the 22nd ARW Safety Office at (316) 759-3216.