School Bus Safety

For some 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. Unfortunately, each year many children are injured and several are killed in school bus incidents.

Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or discharge passengers, children should not rely on them to do so. The National Safety Council encourages parents to teach their children these rules for getting on and off the school bus:

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys, or private property.

• Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
• Use the hand-rail when stepping on the bus.
• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
• Never put head, arms, or hands out of the window.
• Keep aisles clear-books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then walk to the front door and exit, using the hand rail.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross. When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.
• The Council also suggests that parents review with their children the correct way to cross the street.