Distracted motorists, construction detours, road-rage and reckless operation of vehicles can make driving from point A to point B a challenge. Imagine the challenge coupled with the responsibility of transporting 16,000 students 10,000 miles over 300 routes in a 25-foot or longer school bus filled with other people’s children. Think about the courage of the school crossing guard trying to get the attention of a distracted driver at a busy intersection.

School bus drivers and crossing guards are unsung heroes that deserve to be sung, applauded for their nerves of steel and hearts of compassion.

One way to do that is to slow down. Observe traffic safety laws in general and particularly those that govern school zones. Know when to stop for school buses, and do it.

Know when to stop

On two-, three- or  four-lane roads without a median or turning lane, vehicles traveling in both directions — those behind the bus and those approaching the bus from the opposite direction — are required to stop when the bus’s red lights are flashing.

“When a school bus is approaching a stop for students, you will see the yellow lights come on. As soon as it stops, the red lights begin flashing and the stop signs on both sides of the bus come out,” said Aaron McDonald, transportation director for the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

Yellow lights always mean slow down. Red means stop.

Only drivers behind a bus on highways divided by medians and/or turning lanes must stop.  Approaching traffic may proceed with caution, slow down and keep an eye out for children.

McDonald asked for patience from parents and guardians during these initial days of the school year. Some drivers are covering two routes. Administrators, coaches, teachers and custodians are pitching in, and currently the department has 260 certified, permanent drivers under contract. He said there could be employment for more that meet the qualifications and successfully complete training.

Catherine Chesson began driving a school bus when the stay-at-home mom’s youngest started elementary school.

“It was to have extra ‘fun money’ for the family,” she said.

That was 12 years ago, and she said it was a time when there were plenty of bus drivers. “In fact, there were so many, it took me two years to get the route I wanted.”

After Charles Crider retired from a transportation dispatch job, he began to worry that he might become a “couch potato,” he said.

Bus driving and the extra money was a good fit for one of the CPSB’s newest employees.

McDonald noted that sometimes kids have a rough day at home or at school and many bus drivers have earned the trust and rapport of students. They have gone above and beyond the challenge of transporting students and helped in other ways.

“They are not looking for recognition,” he said. “It’s from the heart. We are in the kid business. We do what we do because we love our students.”

Obey the crossing guard

According to Louisiana law, crossing guards have authority to stop traffic or send traffic through intersections for the safety of students.

“Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office school crossing guards are a vital asset to our department during the school year,” said Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “We have over 80 full-time crossing guards throughout the parish who receive annual training on the proper techniques for crossing children at the designated crosswalks near the schools. In high traffic areas, we also have uniformed deputies assisting with traffic control.

“Although we have deputies assisting in getting children to school safely, it is also our own responsibility to be extra cautious of school zones, ensuring we are aware of the posted speed limits, and watching for the crossing guards and students walking or biking to school.”

Hands-Free Zones in school zones ban all drivers, even those over 18, from using a cell phone to engage in a call, read/send a text, or use social media.

“Lessen distractions, stay alert, and always be mindful of children in the area,” Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Officer Thomas Gossen said.

Lillie Ryan is a school crossing guard at Gillis Elementary.

“The hours are great, I have really good bosses and good hours and good bosses make a job easier,” she said.

She is also a retired school bus driver with a keen awareness of the responsibility of keeping children safe.

“Children are distracted very easily. They are not necessarily aware in the same sense we are. It’s up to us to keep them safe,” Ryan said.

Perhaps anyone that passes a school on their commute has witnessed the commitment of a school crossing guard.

“I think the biggest problem for crossing guards is that people are not paying attention,” she said.

Sharon Dixon, a five-year veteran, agrees there is a certain danger involved in keeping children safe, but the hours are perfect for her. She loves communicating with her students and encouraging them. When she doesn’t see them, she misses them. However, she worries.

Dixon said drivers are not paying attention at 17th Street and Fourth Avenue and are speeding. Some could be late for work or appointments. They even blow through stop signs, sometimes without slowing.

“One of my students has been almost hit not once but twice,” she said and added that she wished all crossing guards could be equipped with body cams. “Please, obey the school zone speed limit and stop at the stop signs before a child gets hurt.”