Some parents think that driving their kids to school is a safer option than sending them on the school bus. Of course, when you are in the driver’s seat you are in control of the situation, and you might feel that giving your child a chance to ride on a school bus won’t offer you that same assurance.
In fact, school buses are the safest mode for getting children to and from school. However, injuries might happen if children are not careful while getting on and off the bus.
While getting on and off the school bus many children are prone to injuries each year. Issues like irresponsible drivers, horseplay, careless street crossing and even clothing might cause accidents.
Parents can prevent avoidable accidents by reminding children about School Bus Safety rules at the beginning of the academic year.
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Here are some valuable tips for School Bus Safety.
Students should Follow while Riding a School Bus:
- Try to reach the bus stop five minutes early. Never run to or from the bus.
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Make sure to stand at least 10 feet away from the edge of the road. Have patience, when the bus comes. You could wait until the door opens, and the driver says, it’s alright to step onto the bus.
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Never allow your clothing and drawstrings and bags with straps to get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
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Make sure that there are no vehicles on both ways before stepping off the bus.
Students while Crossing Should:
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Don’t walk behind the bus; always walk in front of the bus.
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Always walk on the pavement to a point at least 10 big steps ahead of the bus.
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Make sure the bus driver can see the students, and the students can see the bus driver as well.
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Cross the road when you get the driver’s signal.
Do not allow elementary students to cross busy streets; provide stops on both sides instead.
Things Children Ought to Know about School Bus Safety:
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If you are standing closer than 10 feet to the bus, the bus driver as well as others cannot see you. Try to stay out of the danger zone.
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If something falls close to the bus, tell the driver. Never attempt to pick it up yourself!
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When you wait for the bus, stay in a safe place far from the road.
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If you miss the bus, do not run after the bus. The chances of falling under the bus are high owing to this careless action.
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When you get on or off the bus, look left, right, left before you enter or cross the road. Be watchful of traffic!
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When you get a signal from the driver that it is safe to cross; make sure to cross in front of the bus.
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Never distract the driver by playing games like horseplay. Try to sit on your seat quietly.
Check this:
10 Steps Schools Must Take To Ensure School Bus Transportation Safety
Things Parents Ought to know about School Bus Safety:
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For highway transportation, school buses are the safest form.
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Getting on and off the bus is the most risky part of the school bus ride.
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School bus occupant fatalities are less when compared to pedestrian fatalities.
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All positions of the bus is not visible to the driver, children are prone to danger in this area. Hence, it is the “Danger zone”. (i.e., Ten feet in front of the bus is not visible to the driver because the driver is sitting too high to see the child. Also, ten feet on each side of the bus as well as the area behind the bus is not visible to the driver. This is driver’s blind spot)
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The children between 5 and 7 years old are victims to bus related accidents.
Kids are Easy to be Struck because they:
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Are impatient to get on and off the bus.
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Have no experience with traffic
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Think motorists will see them and allow them to cross the road.
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Do not stay within the sight of the bus drivers.
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Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
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Be polite and respectful to others while riding on the bus.
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Do not use chewing gum or eat candy while on the bus.
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Avoid animals on the bus.
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Avoid glass objects on the bus.
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Say no to weapons and potentially harmful materials on the bus.
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Avoid balloons, skateboards and other unsecured items on the bus.
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Kids should always wear their I.D. tags.
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Make sure to label clothing, bags, etc. with name, phone number and school.
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Put all waste in garbage cans.
