There are more than 25 million children transported by bus to and from school and school related activities every year. According to the National Highway Traffic safety administration “ … your child is much safer taking a bus to school than traveling by car….. the greatest risk to your child is not riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one.” Before the school year begins, talking to your student about getting on and off the bus safely is critical.
The following are tips to go over with your child whether or not your child will be riding a bus daily to school.
- Parents of young children should walk children to the bus stop and wait with them until the bus arrives.
- Arrive to the school bus at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.
- Wait for the bus 6 feet from the curb (or at least three giant steps back).
- The bus stop is not a place to run and play.
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off the bus.
- NEVER walk behind the bus, if you must cross the street do so in front of the bus and make sure to be 10 feet in front of the bus to avoid the drivers blind spot.
- Remind children to follow ALL rules given by the bus driver.
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