School Bus Safety
Henry J. Srednicki, Ph.D., NCSP, Communique, February 1997, vol. 25, no. 5
The best solution to school bus safety is prevention. Children, parents and educators need to be aware of potential risks involved with children and school buses. Motorists need to obey regulations regarding driving in the vicinity of school buses and their designated drop off zones. Here are some useful tips to help get this school year off to a safe start for you and your children:
On the way to the bus, be alert. Always arrive a few minutes early and obey traffic lights and signals. Encourage your child to walk with schoolmates, always facing traffic. When crossing the street, always use the crosswalks and look both ways at intersections!
At the bus stop, stand back from the curb. Children should not push or shove when entering or exiting the bus and always use the steps and hand rails. Obey the driver and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing. Children should always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and—never crawl under a bus!
Instruct your children to take their seat quickly and quietly and remain seated while the bus is moving. Keep feet on the floor and never extend hands or any object out the window of a bus. Talk in a courteous tone and be courteous to the driver and schoolmates. Do not distract the driver through misbehavior.