Back in School Safety Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Master Sgt. Tim Holt 2d Bomb Wing Safety BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- School is back in full-swing and with that we need to be aware of school busses as well as children walking to and from school. We have several school crossings near our base and more than once already this year I have witnessed people driving over the posted speed limits through the school zones and going around school busses when they are stopped to pick up or drop off kids. I doubt anyone in the world would want to live with the thought of injuring a child or worse, killing a child due to being in a hurry and not obeying the school bus or school crossing rules. Here are some quick tips on a safer school year for our children: During morning and afternoon commutes: - Be on the lookout for children who may stray into traffic while waiting for and when getting on and off of the school bus. - Be aware of school zones and follow posted speed limits. - Respect and obey school crossing guards. - Watch for pedestrians when picking up and dropping children off at the school parking lot. Follow basic rules for stopping for a school bus: - When a school bus stops and flashes red lights, drivers approaching from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. - Once stopped for a school bus, drivers may not go again until the red lights stop flashing, or the bus driver or a traffic officer waves traffic on. - After stopping for a school bus, drivers must watch for children along the side of the road and drive slowly until past them.