Who says homework is just for kids? Drivers should also hit the books on school zone and bus safety. With increased traffic and young pedestrians back on the move, now is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge and ensure everyone stays safe on the road.

With school back in session, roadways and neighborhood streets are expected to become more congested. Drivers should remain vigilant for increased school traffic, including school buses and children crossing streets.

"We encourage everyone to take action by talking to your children about safety and set an example by practicing safe driving habits. Plan for plenty of extra time to arrive at your workplace or destination," Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor said in a news release. "Even if you are not a parent dropping off your child at school, keep in mind that there is potential for more traffic on roadways with young drivers and congestion will grow around school zones. Be extra cautious for school buses, pedestrians and children walking or biking to school."

School buses, which are among the most regulated vehicles on the road, are equipped with features designed to protect children. However, it is crucial for drivers to follow specific guidelines:

Yellow flashing lights: Indicate that the bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should slow down, not speed up, as the bus may be picking up or dropping off students.

Red flashing lights: Mean that drivers must stop at least 20 feet behind the bus. Remain stopped until the lights turn off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus starts moving again.

In Alabama, the law mandates that drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights. This applies to both two-lane roads and undivided highways. On divided highways with a barrier between lanes, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Following a recent incident in March where a driver ignored bus laws and struck a child, Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler stressed the importance of adhering to these rules.

"Parents, I may be preaching to the choir, but it is so critically important to be cautious when driving around a school bus," Tyler said. "Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to pass a school bus when it is stopped and the stop arm is extended."

Penalties for failing to stop for a school bus can be severe:

First offense: Fines range from $150 to $300.

Second offense: Fines increase to $300 to $500, with a 30-day license suspension and 100 hours of community service.

Third offense: Fines may reach up to $1,000, with a 90-day license suspension and 200 hours of community service.

Fourth offense: Considered a felony, it carries a fine of up to $3,000 and a one-year license suspension.

It is important to note that under Alabama law, the requirements for stopping also apply to other buses, including marked church buses and those operated by the Association for Retarded Citizens of Alabama. The fines above also pertain to these buses.

Along with stopping for school buses, ALEA advises to keep a safe distance from school buses to accommodate sudden stops and children crossing the road. When passing cyclists, maintain at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and the bike. ALEA also warns motorists to observe speed limits in school zones and stay vigilant for children crossing the street or walking near school grounds and bus stops, particularly during school arrival and dismissal times. Watch for bicycles emerging from driveways or from behind parked cars.

Parents should also educate their children on bus safety:

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled time.
• Stay five steps away from the curb.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the driver's signal before boarding.
• Sit facing forward on the bus and exit safely, looking left-right-left before crossing the street.

For additional information and resources on school travel safety, visit ALEA's official website at www.alea.gov.