LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools is marking National School Bus Safety Week, which runs Oct. 19-23, by sharing safety tips for students and drivers, according to a district announcement.

The district's guidance for students includes staying back from the curb and away from traffic while waiting at the bus stop. Students should wait for the bus driver's signal before boarding or leaving the bus, keep their bodies and belongings inside during the ride, and follow all directions from the driver and bus monitor.

For motorists, the district asks drivers to watch for children walking, particularly in the early morning and mid-afternoon, and to be patient and allow extra time in school zones and busy areas. Drivers should stop for a bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended, and should not pass a bus where students are loading or unloading.

The district also highlighted what it calls the "danger zone," the areas around a bus where the driver may not be able to see a child. These include the 10 feet in front of the bus, where a driver sitting high may be unable to see a child; the 10 feet on either side of the bus, where a student may be in the driver's blind spot; and the area directly behind the bus. The district says this is why traffic must stop for school buses.

Families and drivers can find a printable flyer on the FCPS website. More information on school bus safety is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Residents who want to learn more about the district's Transportation Department can visit FCPS.net/bus.