The Arkansas Education Department is starting a program to urge motorists to be careful around school buses.
Classes resume this month across the state and the department is starting a campaign on Monday called, "Flashing Red, Kids Ahead."
The three-week campaign will emphasize that it is illegal for a driver to pass a stopped school buses whenever its red lights are flashing and students are loading or unloading.
Education Commissioner Tom Kimbrell says drivers have an obligation to know the law and a responsibility to drive safely when near students and school buses.
Arkansas has nearly 7,000 school buses that transport more than 250,000 students to and from school and school-related activities each school day.