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Every year at this time, drivers are reminded about their responsibility under state law to know what to do - and not do - when encountering a school bus transporting students to and from school.
They also are reminded about the stiff penalties they would face for failing to obey the law to its full extent.
What motorists also should know - and, if they do, sometimes fail to acknowledge - is that the bus drivers are not devious people; they strive to be courteous and understanding of others on the roads.
They do not gain delight, if and when they must report or testify against a motorist, perhaps a neighbor or acquaintance, who undermines the safety of the children for whom they have the responsibility to protect, as well as transport.
They either must do their job or face potential unemployment consequences.
Beyond the task of ensuring students' safety during the actual transportation process, drivers also must be vigilant in terms of inappropriate conduct by students while on their bus. Drivers should not have to worry about an irresponsible driver passing their bus while the bus is stopped with its red lights employed and children attempting to get on or off the bus.
"School bus safety takes top priority" was the headline over an article in Tuesday's Mirror. While the article focused primarily on Blair County, the article's overall message was applicable to every school system, not only in Pennsylvania but across the nation.
Beyond the basic message, the article presented information that might have been eye-opening and jarring to some sleepy-eyed readers who were perusing that day's Mirror over breakfast, one paragraph of the article in particular:
"Buses are equipped with both inside and outside cameras," (Fullington Auto Bus Co. Safety Director Rick) Focht said. "They're designed for overall safety and they can pick up infractions."
That is because the cameras can capture images of the license plates of vehicles that meet or overtake the bus.
Good advice for people who will be operating their vehicles at times when buses are transporting students is to leave for their destinations earlier.
Sometimes it is difficult not to become frustrated while a bus is making numerous stops, but there are many other factors or circumstances that can add many minutes to travel times, and motorists should inject such possibilities for such scenarios into their travel schedules.
Becoming involved in an accident with a bus, or injuring or killing a student trying to board or exit one, will turn the day into an unwanted experience of unimaginable proportion, no matter what one's schedule might be.
And, that doesn't include the possible hefty fines, points and possible suspension or revocation of driving privileges that could follow.
If you need a refresher on what to do and not do when encountering a school bus, don't delay seeking that information from sources such as the state Department of Transportation or a state lawmaker's office.
If you do delay, it could end up being one of the worst and costliest mistakes you ever will make.