This week is National School Bus Safety week. The theme this year, according to the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, is "Stop On Red, Kids Ahead."

This slogan is to remind motorists that when a school bus is stopped, has red lights flashing, and the stop arm is extended, motorists are required to stop. Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop. Drivers should also be aware that children will be in the area and possibly crossing the road. When a school bus is stopped in this fashion, school children will be either exiting or entering the bus. Motorists are not permitted to pass the school bus until it has resumed motion.

According to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division commander, Major Tom Melville, "School buses remain the safest mode of travel on Indiana's roadways, but crashes still occur every school year.

Throughout the school there are many concerns that need to be considered when sharing the roads with school buses".

The motoring public can do their part to help reduce the number of school bus crashes by thinking safety every time they start their car. Watch for school children waiting at bus stops or walking to the bus stop.