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School Bus Safety

Walking to the Bus Stop
  • Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.
  • Go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe
    place well away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
Getting On and Off the Bus
  • Enter the bus in line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs
  • When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.
Riding the Bus

    Download: School Bus Safety Coloring Sheet
    color me safe
  • Always speak quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad
    crossing so the driver can hear if a train is coming.
  • Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and book bags should be kept on your lap. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits.
Exiting the Bus
  • If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and she may
    begin moving the bus. Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that the
    do not get caught on the handrail or the door.
  • Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you. more»

Back to School - Driving Safety Tips

Parent Do's and Don'ts at School Bus Stops

Getting Ready for School

  • Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won´t drop things
    along the way.
  • Have them wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
  • Make sure they leave home on time so they can walk to the bus stop and arrive before the bus is due. Running can be
    dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop
  • Walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are
    easier for drivers to see.
  • Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on the sidewalk, if there is no sidewalk, stay out of the street.
  • If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
Waiting at the Bus Stop
  • Don´t let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It is dangerous near traffic.
  • Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic. Have younger children practice taking 5 giant steps to become familiar with 10 feet.
Getting On and Off the Bus
  • Warn children that, if they drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the
    driver´s instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped object, they might not be seen by the driver and could be hurt
    if the driver pulls away from the stop
  • Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to sneak by busses on the
    right.
  • Teach your children to secure loose drawstrings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus
    as they are exiting. more»