Bus Safety for Kids
Bus safety is about more than just driving the big yellow bus safely back and forth to the school door. It is about getting to the bus stop and home again. It is about student conduct during the bus ride. It is about understanding what to do in an emergency. In short, it is about making sure students are prepared for everything that happens between leaving the front door and returning home safely.
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Getting To/From the Bus Stop
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Walk, don't run to the bus. The bus picks you up during the morning rush. Traffic has a difficult time seeing you if you are running across the street. If you are playing around on your way to the bus stop, you are not paying attention to traffic. There's a time for play---it is after school hours. Give yourself time to get there. Arrive to your bus stop at least five minutes before your pickup time. Avoid talking to strangers or letting them pick you or a friend up.
Getting On/Off the Bus
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Your bus has a few big steps to get on. Make sure you get there safely. Let the younger students get onto the bus first. Keep an eye out for them, sometimes they need some help. Hold onto the hand rails so you don't lose your balance. Find a seat and stay there. Standing or walking on a moving bus could result in injury. Cross the street in front of the bus when you have to so the bus driver can see you easily. Also be aware of the danger zone within 10 feet of the bus. Get too close to the bus and the driver can't see you.
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Riding the Bus
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The best thing to do on your bus ride is to sit quietly and get ready for your school day---or look forward to getting home. Speak quietly---loud noises or shouting can be distracting to the bus drivers who are trying to keep you safe; leave the emergency exits alone---blocking the exits or playing with the handles can make the exits useless in a real emergency; no playing or rough housing---playing or throwing or fighting on the bus distracts your driver and make the ride dangerous for you.
Emergency Drills
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Your school district should run emergency drills at regular times so you know what to do if your bus gets into an accident. If they don't, your school's board of education should know about it.
Seat Belts
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While most states and school districts around the country do not require school buses to have seat belts for student riders, there are parent groups around the country who lobby their own districts to change that requirement. If you feel strongly about it, attend a board of education meeting and get involved.
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