They have been a part of your commute again for the last six weeks, but Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials still want to ensure you stay alert when school buses are in the area.

According to the state's data, there are approximately 600 crashes involving school buses every year. Still, the more significant focus is when those buses are stopped to let children enter or exit the vehicle.  Buses are equipped with swinging stop signs, flashing lights, and yellow bars to alert drivers to stop just in case kids need to cross the street. That does not stop all drivers, however. On one school day this year, bus drivers in Wisconsin reported 256 incidents of other vehicles illegally passing their school buses, according to a survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. State officials hope the $326 fine and four demerit points it costs you for illegally passing a stopped school bus is enough of a deterrent.

Children boarding or getting off the bus can also do their part to stay safe. They are encouraged to look both ways before crossing the street, make sure all motorists see them, stay away from the curb, and listen to the instructions of the bus drivers and crossing guards.

Area school districts use this week's National School Bus Safety Week recognition as an extra opportunity to work on safe practices in and around buses.