GALION — Summer break ends for thousands of Ohio children this month as they head back to school. For many, the trip to and from school involves a school bus. The Ohio Highway Patrol has been in the process of inspecting every Ohio school bus to ensure each bus is safe to transport children to and from school and to school-sanctioned events.

Here are a few reminders for motorists who will have to interact with buses through the next 10 months.

Remember to stop at least 10 feet away when approaching a school bus from either side, while it displays its flashing lights and an extended arm. Do not resume driving until the school bus begins moving again. From 2013-2015, 4,043 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a school bus that was loading or dropping off passengers,.

“Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload passengers, children should not rely on them to do so,” said Lt. Scott Rike, commander of the Bucyrus post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street and remain alert to any sudden traffic changes.”

Drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time for school bus stops. Be patient and never pass a stopped school bus.