ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Anchorage is home to the largest school district in Alaska, serving more than 43,000 students. That means a lot of bus routes and bus stops across the city.

Thus, as part of National Bus Safety Week , the Anchorage Schol District is reminding everyone of the importance of bus safety. While some tips may seem like common sense, these small steps can make a big difference, especially during the dark and cold winter months.

“For students to stay at their bus stops and make sure they’re staying back up off the street,” said Shauna Booton, the principal of Tyson Elementary. “And then also for people in neighborhoods, drivers, etc., to make sure they’ve got their eyes up and they are focused.”

According to ASD , full-sized school buses weigh more than 10 tons and that weight increases to more than 15 tons when fully loaded. These large vehicles require extra care and attention, making safety the district’s top priority.

ASD says drivers must adhere to key safety rules.

One of the most important rules? Not passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.

“I know it’s inconvenient if you’re trying to get to work or wherever you need to go, but it’s really important that people stay stopped behind the bus so that students can get on and off safely,” Booton said. “It also helps make sure that no one drives around a bus suddenly without seeing a child crossing the street.”

In addition to bus safety for drivers, visibility is crucial for students waiting in the dark. At Tyson Elementary, staff are giving out reflectors that clip onto backpacks or jackets, helping students be more visible during those early morning hours.

These reflectors will be available during parent-teacher conferences this week, but any visibility tool may be a worthwhile investment to ensure every child arrives at school safely.