School Buses

School bus transportation is safe. In fact, school buses are safer than cars! Even so, each year an average of 30 school-age children die in school bus-related traffic crashes, and an estimated 8,500 to 12,000 are injured in incidents involving school buses. Most often, these deaths and injuries occur as the children are walking to the bus stop or entering and exiting the bus.

 

Students should follow these safety steps for walking to the bus stop, riding the bus, and getting on and off the bus:

 

Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus.

Respect the "Danger Zone" surrounding the bus. The Danger Zone is the 10-foot wide area on all sides of the bus.

 

Always remain 10 feet (five giant steps) away from the school bus to be out of the Danger Zone and where the driver can see you.

 

Always walk to the bus stop. Never run.

 

Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left, facing traffic.

 

While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road. Do not run or play while waiting.

 

When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride.

 

Always speak in a quite whisper on the bus so the driver will not be distracted.

 

Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you, on the floor, and book bags should be kept on your lap.

 

Always go to the bus stop about 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

 

Never play with the emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

 

If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and may begin moving the bus.

Always make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so they do not get caught on the handrail or the door.

 

If you drop something near the bus, don't pick it up. Instead, tell the bus driver and follow the driver's instructions.

 

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