Bus Safety

School Bus/Zone Things to Know:

Seat belts on Buses – The Big Debate

In Maryland, as in most states, seat belts are not required on any school buses, except those designed to carry 15 passengers or less to and from child care centers.

Proponents of seat belts on buses believe that the potential for injuries and fatalities are why seat belts should be required.

Opponents cite studies which show padded seat backs, stronger seat frames, crash barriers, and other safety factors that have been engineered into the school bus reduce the need for seat belts.

Did you know?

• School buses are one of the safest ways to travel to and from school.
• Most injuries occur when children are getting on and off the bus.
• Teaching your children bus safety is the best way to ensure safe travel to and from school.
• School Zone safety is everyone’s responsibility – parents, children and motorists.
• Because children often dart out and do not obey street signs, it is imperative that everyone reduce their speed in school zones.

Motorists need to expect the unexpected and be constantly alert for the presence of children.

Things you can do:

• Be aware of the speed limits in school zones.
  
• Plan ahead. Allow yourself enough time to pick up and drop off your child(ren) at a designated location.
  
• Speeding and unsafe driving endanger everyone.
  
• Park correctly. Double parking and parking in crosswalks is not permitted.
  
• Leave school bus zones vacant and bus accessible.
  
• Watch for children in or near the street.
  
• Let children out of vehicles on the curbside only.
  
• Encourage children to use established crosswalks. 

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