School Bus Safety Reminders

Riding the school bus is a tremendous privilege. It is safer than riding in a car to school. The school bus is driven by a professional driver who is backed-up a team of professionals dedicated to the safety of every passenger.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that "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." In fact, the NHTSA reports that "a child is 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car."

This past year, in our local school system bus drivers safely drove our 38 buses a total of 363,644 miles. We are fortunate to be served by the safety- and child-conscious professionals who drive our buses every day.

According to the American School Bus Council, it’s estimated that over 10 million drivers illegally pass school buses every year despite the fact that there are stop arm laws in all 50 states. This creates a genuine risk for children. "There simply is no “safe” way to illegally pass the school bus. If the bus is stopping, children are present."

Bus Safety Reminders for Students

• Students should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.
• While the bus is approaching, make sure students stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens and the bus driver says that it is OK to board.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure she sees you.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.
• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven away to avoid not being seen by the driver.
• Never yell on the bus as the driver needs to be able to hear other cars on the road.
• Avoid loud and disruptive behavior so that the bus driver does not become distracted.

References:

Learn the facts. Play it Safe - American School Bus Council

School Bus Safety - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

School Bus Safety Image - Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

North Carolina School Bus Stop Law - North Carolina Department of Public Instruction