The Alabama Department of Homeland Security reiterates the message from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) highlighting security procedures ahead of the busy holiday travel period and reminds travelers about the steps they can take to be prepared for airport security.

The Alabama Department of Homeland Security reiterates the message from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today highlighting security procedures ahead of the busy holiday travel period and reminds travelers about the steps they can take to be prepared for airport security.

It is a priority year-round, but school bus safety is particularly important during the school year, when motorists come into contact with school buses on a daily basis. 

This year, School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 22 to 26, and the Alabama Department of Public Safety is partnering with the Alabama Department of Education to remind motorists of the law and what is required in an effort to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities.  In 2011, there were 546 crashes, 268 injuries and five fatalities involving school buses in Alabama. 

Motorists may be aware that the law requires all traffic from both directions on a two-lane roadway to stop when school buses stop for passengers, but there also are rules to ensure safety in other situations.

Traffic from both directions must also stop for school buses on:

• Roadways with two lanes and a center turning lane

• Roadways with four or more lanes and a center turning lane