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Taking the School Bus
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While school buses are an extremely
safe form of transportation, about 30 times safer than passenger
cars, accidents do happen. The majority of accidents occur
outside the bus, where children can be struck by the bus or
by motorists illegally passing the bus.
 Because
getting on and off the bus is the most dangerous part of the
school bus ride, the loading and unloading area is called
the "Danger Zone." In this area - ten feet in front
of the bus, ten feet on each side of the bus, and ten feet
behind the bus - it can be difficult for the driver to see
a child, especially a small child. The most dangerous parts
of the "Danger Zone" are immediately in front of
the bus and from in front of the rear wheels back to the rear
of the bus.
Although side-view and crossover mirrors,
flat-nosed buses, and crossing control arms all help increase
the bus driver's field of vision and add to the safety of
children, other safety steps should be taken. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions parents and
teachers to help students learn the following school bus safety
practices:
- Get to the bus stop five minutes
before the bus arrives. Running to catch the bus is dangerous
and can lead to injuries.
- Cross the street at least 10 feet
- or 10 giant steps - in front of the bus. Be sure the bus
driver can see you and you can see the bus driver when crossing
the street. Always look left-right-left before crossing.
- When the bus approaches, stand at
least five giant steps away from the curb. Line up in a
single file line away from the street and avoid horseplay.
- Wait until the bus stops, the door
opens, and the driver says it's okay before getting on the
bus.
- Never walk behind the bus, and walk
at least five giant steps away from the side of the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver.
Never try to pick it up, because the driver might not be
able to see you.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete
stop before exiting. When getting on or off the bus, never
push other kids and be careful that clothing with drawstrings
or backpacks with straps don't get caught in handrails or
door. Always use handrails to avoid falls.
Students should also be taught to go
right to their seat and face forward once they board the bus,
then sit quietly with no screaming or shouting to distract
the driver during the ride. Tell your children to obey the
driver and never throw objects or stick anything out the bus
window - including arms, legs, head or book bags.
It's a great idea for parents to coordinate
with other parents to make sure an adult is present at the
bus stop every day, especially when children under the age
of nine are present. Tell your kids to come straight home
after getting off the bus unless they have permission from
you to do otherwise. Students should know it's okay to tell
the bus driver or another adult if someone is bothering them
at the bus stop or while on the school bus. Warn your kids
to stay with other children at the bus stop and never speak
to strangers.
> School
Bus Safety Home Page
> Taking
the School Bus
> Walking
to School
> Riding
a Bike to School
> Play
it Safe When You're Behind the Wheel
> Sources
of Back to School Information and Web Links
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