Ohio State Highway Patrol Inspects Area School Buses - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is busy inspecting school buses to make sure every bus in the area is safe. As summer break comes to a close, many students will be heading back to school on the bus.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has 23 teams of motor vehicle inspectors that are taking a closer look at every bus in the area to make sure its safe for students.

Sgt. Faunda of the St. Clairsville post tells 7News that inspectors look over each bus in detail, not once, but twice each school year. They're looking for anything that could cause a safety hazard.

"There's a variety of things," he says. "From tire condition, brake condition, exhaust system, and glass. They even go so far as to look at the seating, making sure they don't have holes in the seats or any marks. They're looking at the overall safety."

School bus safety is more than just inspections, Sgt. Faunda says there are a few tips that all motorists should keep in mind.

"As the school year starts motorists need to be aware that school buses are going to be back on the roadways," he says. "With the many hills and curves that we have in Belmont County, and Monroe County, they need to be cautious during the morning and afternoon hours when school buses are typically traveling the roadways. You go around a blind curve and come upon a school bus, you need to be aware of your speed. Motorists are required to stop for school buses when the red lights are displayed."

When drivers approach a school bus with its red lights on and extended stop arm out it is required to stop at least 10 ft. back from the bus. Sgt. Faunda also says his troopers actively work in school zones where the speed limit is 20 mph, and target drivers that are hazardous to students.