This week is National School Bus Safety week. and the staff at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett would like to take this opportunity to provide some reminders for year round school bus safety. This year’s campaign theme, “Be Safe; Know the Danger Zone.”
25 million students nationwide begin and/or end their day with a trip on a school bus. School buses are designed for safety, with their flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and their bright yellow color. Did you know students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
School buses are one of the safest ways for students to travel. Nearly two-thirds of school bus-related fatalities of school-age children occur outside of the school bus. Parents and children need to do their part to stay safe both in and around school buses. The American School Bus Council offers the following tips for school bus safety:
Getting Ready for School:
- Put everything in a backpack so students won’t drop papers along the way
- Wear bright colors whenever possible
- Make sure they leave in plenty of time to catch the bus, as running can be dangerous
Headed to the Bus Stop:
- Walk in groups
- Walk on the sidewalk – out of the street if possible – single file and facing traffic
- Look both ways before crossing the street, as well as around driveways and alleyways
At the Bus Stop:
- Arrive early – at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
- Stand 6 feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus
- Make sure to supervise young children
Around the Bus:
- Cross in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver before crossing
- Never walk behind the bus
- If you drop something near or under the bus, do not pick it up; tell the bus driver instead
Getting On/Off the Bus:
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus
- Use the handrail
- Secure any loose or hanging objects
Behavior on the Bus:
- Buckle up if seat belts are available
- Stay in your seat keeping all body parts and papers inside the bus, and talk quietly
- Keep aisles clear of book bags
Cell Phones: if they are permitted
- Keep them in your backpack and not in your hand when entering or exiting the bud
- Keep the sound muted or use headphones
- Do not create a distraction for the driver
This blog is for informational purposes only.