COLUMBUS, Ohio — Now that it’s August, kids will be returning to school in the coming weeks.

That means buses will be back on the road, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is offering some safety reminders to drivers as well as some sobering statistics.

They say in a press release that school buses have been involved in 6,145 crashes since 2019, eight of which resulted in fatalities, and one student was killed on a bus.

"It’s crucial that everyone commits to helping school bus riders get to and from their destinations safely each day,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in the release. “Bus safety isn’t just the responsibility of the bus driver - other drivers, parents, and students  all have a role to play.”

The OSHP reminds drivers of the following:

• You must stop a minimum of 10 feet in front of or behind a bus if it’s lights are flashing and the extended arm is out
• You cannot proceed driving until the bus starts moving
• Be aware that buses on the road can cause delays to your commute

The OSHP said it has done 200,000 inspections on buses since 2019, a process that should occur to every bus twice a year.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication our personnel puts into inspecting school buses across Ohio,” said Col. Charles Jones, Patrol superintendent, in the release. “Their commitment and attention to detail in every inspection helps prevent potential hazards and plays a crucial role in protecting the lives of students every day.”

The Patrol also noted that in October of 2022, all Ohio school buses were equipped with “highly-reflective STOP decals” on the back for better visibility.