Editor,

As a concerned citizen and school bus driver of Whidbey Island, I have come to realize that on a daily basis there is an infraction made against my bus by drivers on the road, both automobiles and bicycles.

I take my job seriously, as I am responsible for your children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

We, as school bus drivers, must meet mandated requirements such as holding a first aid/CPR card, attending workshops, required online courses, as well as conducting a safety inspection of the bus every time we utilize it to transport your children.

Our job is safety first — it’s a huge responsibility.

Traffic accidents kill and injure more of our children every year than any other cause, more than disease, kidnapping, drownings, falls or drug abuse.

In 1997, legislation increased the fine for passing a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to a minimum of $394, which can result in a citation permanently affecting your driving record (Superintendent of Public Instruction).

Whenever you see the alternating flashing amber lights on top of the front and back of the bus, this means the school bus is about to stop to load or unload school children.

You should be cautious and slow down. The bus is going to stop on the roadway.

Whenever you see the alternating flashing red lights and side stop paddle with flashing red lights, you must stop — it is the law. Once the red flashing lights and stop paddle have been turned off, you may proceed.

This also applies to bicycles on the roadway.

I cannot stress to Whidbey residents enough, the importance of adhering to this law as young children can act impulsively and spontaneously disregarding their own safety.

Please, for the sake of our children, put your thinking cap on when encountering our school buses.

Thank you, from a bus driver who takes this job to heart,

LINDA PROCTOR

Clinton