SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the school bus is the safest vehicle on the road – your child is much safer taking a bus to and from school than traveling by car. Safety regulations for school buses are above and beyond those of other vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries and there are laws in every state to protect children from other motorists when getting on and off of school buses. They are highly visible and include safety features such as flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors and stop-sign arms. They also have protective seating, high crush standards and rollover protection features.
Advice for Kids to Stay Safe:
- Line up facing the school bus door-not along the side of the school bus.
- Don’t play in the street while waiting for the school bus and stay at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the bus as it is stopping. Wait for the door to open and the driver to say its okay before entering the bus.
- Carry your belongings in a backpack or book bag.
- Never reach under a school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen underneath, tell the bus driver right away.
- After getting off the school bus, move immediately onto the sidewalk or road shoulder out of traffic.
- Wait for a signal from the bus driver before you cross the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.
- Never cross the street behind the school bus.
- Listen to and obey the school bus driver at all times.
- Sit quietly in the seat and speak quietly with other children.
School Bus Safety Advice for Motorists:
- When the yellow lights on the school bus are blinking low, you may pass the bus but please go slow.
- When the yellow lights are flashing up top, slow down and be prepared to stop.
- When red lights are flashing and the extended stop-arm is showing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn and the bus begins moving.
- Obey the posted speed limits in residential and school zones.
- It is illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while dropping off or picking up passengers, regardless of the direction of approach.
