The Ohio State Highway patrol is reminding everyone that this week has been designated National School Bus Safety Week.

The theme for this year is “My Driver – My Safety Hero” and police are reminding everyone of their role in school bus safety

The patrol said from 2015-2017, 4,036 crashes occurred in the state involving school buses and that 4,198 drivers were convicted for failing to stop for a bus.

As a reminder, a bus displays yellow warning lights prior to stopping and, once it stops, its flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed.

Drivers coming up on a bus are required by law to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while it is picking up or dropping off students. Drivers should remain stopped until the bus resumes its travel.

Children are most in danger when they exit and enter a bus and drivers should exercise all caution when they see a stopped bus.

In a rural area like ours, most students travel to and from school via the bus. Please go out of your way this week, as well as year round, to follow the law and keep our children safe.