Did you know that the most dangerous part of the school bus ride is the bus stop? Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus.

The majority of children killed or injured in bus-related accidents are hit outside the bus by motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus. It is important to remember that in neighborhoods, near schools, and at bus stops, drivers need to take special care because children do not behave like adults. Most important, children expect vehicles to stop for them at the school bus stop.

When you meet or follow a school bus, Illinois law requires the following:

• Obey all school bus warning systems. Motorists must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.

• On a one-way roadway, all lanes of traffic must stop, regardless of the number of lanes.

• On a two-lane roadway, all lanes of traffic must stop (at least 20 feet before reaching the bus).

• On a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction, only those lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

• Be aware that all school buses must stop at railroad crossings.

• Never pass a school bus on the right.