Nashville, Tennessee --- School bus inspections, driver training and traffic enforcement are activities State Troopers are highlighting during National School Bus Safety Week (October 16-22). THP is monitoring school zones and watching for violators of speeding laws, as well as aggressive drivers and anyone who passes a stopped school bus. Some Troopers are doing ride-a-longs on buses, and many have recorded public service announcements that are airing on local radio stations. The goal is to protect the 470,000 Tennessee children who ride school buses each day.

"All across the state, families depend on school buses for safe, reliable transportation to and from school," says Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "It's law enforcement's job to protect that trust by making school bus travel as safe as possible."

THP's Pupil Transportation Section is responsible for inspecting school buses and training drivers. During the 2004-2005 school year, State Troopers performed safety inspections on 17,800 buses. During that same time, the Department of Safety trained and/or tested 11,500 school bus drivers.

"State Troopers take their role in school bus safety very seriously," says Colonel Lynn Pitts, Commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. "Through training, inspections and enforcement, the men and women in this department play a vital role in ensuring safe rides to and from school for the children of this state."

It's important that children learn school bus safety tips. They include:

• Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
• Stand at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
• Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
• Check both ways before stepping off the bus. Walk in front of the bus-never behind it.
• Be alert to traffic. When you get on or off the bus, look left, right, then left again before exiting the bus or crossing the street.
• The bus driver and others cannot see you if you are standing closer than 10 feet to the bus. Stay out of the danger zon

There are also important safety tips for drivers to remember, including:

• Always stop for a stopped school bus.
• Never pass a school bus.
• Never speed in school zones, or in residential areas where children may be present.
• The "Danger Zone" is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of not being seen by drivers.
• Pedestrian fatalities (while loading and unloading school buses) account for approximately three times as many school bus-related fatalities when compared to school bus occupant fatalities.
• The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is getting on and off the bus.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.