Back To School Safety: Students, Drivers Reminded to 'Look Up & Look Out'

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—With the start of school just days away, State Highway Administration has teamed up with Baltimore County Schools for some important reminders for kids and drivers.

A new motto for a new school year: "look up look out, walk smart drive smart."

Drivers must stop for pedestrians, follow directions given by crossing guards, and watch for students waiting to be picked up by buses.

When Baltimore County buses hit the streets, traffic needs to stop in both directions when a school bus signals with a red stop sign, maybe one of the least recognized regulations on the road.

"In one day across the state of Maryland 70% of school bus drivers recorded 3,400 motorists absolutely ignoring the extended stop sign and passing the school bus," said Ragina Averella, with AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Drivers must stop for pedestrians, follow directions given by crossing guards, and watch for students waiting to be picked up by buses.

Another important reminder applies to kids and cars alike - pay attention to where you're going, not to your electronics.

Everyone should know by now that it's illegal to use handheld devices while driving and dangerous to use them while walking but we see it every day, and it's not worth the risking an accident.

School starts next week in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties. Baltimore City and Carroll counties start on the 29th.