Safety Tips: School Bus

The greatest risk is not while riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. It is essential that drivers know the rules:

1. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or bicycling to school.
2. When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be focused on getting to school but may not be thinking about safety.
3. Slow down. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops or walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks.
4. Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart in to the street without looking for traffic.
5. Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state.

“Danger — Know the Zone” guidelines for children:

1. Get the children to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. When the bus approaches, have them stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
3. Instruct children to wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
4. If children have to cross the street in front of the bus, instruct them to walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before they cross. Be sure the bus driver can see them and they can see the bus driver.