Chilton County Schools will observe School Bus Safety Week from Oct. 21–25.

National School Bus Safety Week is observed that week, and Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a proclamation designating it as Alabama School Bus Safety Week.

Chilton County has nearly 100 school bus routes. They transport more than 5,000 students to and from school each school day and travel nearly 2,500 miles a day, according to Chilton County Schools Transportation Supervisor Jason Griffin.

“During School Bus Safety Week, we want to inform the citizens of our county about our transportation program,” Griffin said in a press release. “We are also asking for their cooperation in helping us to maintain or even improve our safety record. Our Chilton County school bus drivers are doing a great job, but they need the cooperation of other motorists.”

One of the most common issues is that other motorists frequently violate the school bus stop law.

“Motorists are required to stop for stopped school buses that are displaying flashing red lights and a stop arm,” Griffin said. “Sometimes the drivers are not fully alert and pass a stopped school bus. This is a very dangerous situation for the children, especially the younger ones who may not be watching traffic as closely as they should.”

In Chilton County, as part of the week, bus safety slogan signs are placed at each school, elementary school students are provided a coloring activity, and drivers and schools emphasize the need for safety around buses.