Back to School Part 2: Riding the Bus

A large portion of students take the bus to school. In fact, the National Safety Council shared that, “ Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, 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 Administration, “The greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one. From 2008 to 2017, there were 264 school-age children killed in school-transportation-related crashes.”

It is important to create a safe experience for those children who do take the bus. Here are some tips provided the National Safety Council on school bus safety:

“At the Bus Stop:

• Arrive early at the bus stop – at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
• Stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus
• Supervise young children

Around the Bus

• Cross in front of the bus – at least 10 feet (or five giant steps) – and make eye contact with the driver before crossing
• Never walk behind the bus
• If you drop something near 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 like straps on a backpack or drawstrings on a hood

Behavior on the Bus:

• Buckle up if seat belts are available
• Stay in your seat keeping head, arms and papers inside the bus, and talk quietly
• Keep aisles clear of books and bags”