Safety Tips for Keeping Children Safe on the School Bus
With school back in session, Early Learning Resource Centers 1 and 2 are offering some tips for school bus safety.
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Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and drivers across the state all play a role in keeping children safe when they ride a school bus.
While preparing to ride the bus, children should:
Get to the bus stop five minutes early so you don’t have to run across the road to catch the bus
Stay away from traffic while waiting for the bus and line up at least five large steps away from the curb
Never run after the school bus if it has already left the stop
Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing, so the bus driver can see you
Cross with care; wait until the bus has stopped all traffic before stepping into the road
While on the school bus, children should:
Never push when getting on or off the bus
Stay in your seat while the bus is moving and never put your head, arms, or hands out of the window
Talk quietly so as not to distract the driver
Be calm and quiet when the bus is crossing railroad tracks, so the driver can listen for a train
Always obey the bus driver’s instructions, so they can make safe decisions
Never play with the emergency exits; backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits
Listen to the driver and follow instructions in the case of an emergency
When getting off the school bus, children should:
Make sure all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure, so they don’t get caught on the handrail or door
Never cross the street behind the school bus
Never go back for an item left on the bus or dropped outside of it; the driver may not see you and begin moving the bus
Never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into a car with a stranger