School Bus Safety

School bus safety is of prime importance considering the number of students riding a school bus each day. Everyday there are nearly 26 million students across the country riding to school on a school bus and according to Safe Kids USA, “In 2002, 26 children ages 14 and under were killed, and in 2001 an estimated 4500 were injured due to school bus accidents.” Here is a look at how students can ride the school bus safely and properly, reducing risks of injuries and accidents by a huge number.

Getting On The Bus

Following some basic courtesies and simple rules will help prevent many accidents and injuries while getting on the bus.

• Firstly, arrive at the bus stop well in time to avoid rushing and hurrying.

• Students should make sure that they enter the bus in a single file and use the handrail to climb up the steps.

• Wait for the bus to pull up to the bus stop before boarding. Stand well back from the edge of the road.

• Parents supervising children at the bus stop should ensure that waiting children don’t get bored and start playing on the road or in ditches next to the road.

• Wait for the bus to make a complete stop, with the lights flashing and for the driver to signal that it is alright to board before getting on the bus. 

Riding The Bus

Teaching children to ride the bus responsibly will also go a long way in reducing accidents and crashes. Here are some tips for children to ride the bus safely.

• Never distract the driver by yelling and playing in the aisles.

• Avoid sticking arms and head out of the window.

• Do not eat or throw things around in the bus.

• While it is alright to talk and laugh on the bus, children should keep it low and also, share their seat.

• Once inside the bus children should find a seat and stay seated, facing forwards.

Getting Off The Bus

 Getting off the bus requires as much caution as getting on the bus. In the afternoon, when the bus drops kids at home, there are some important tips for ensuring that they get off the bus safely.

• Children should keep an eye out for their stop and be prepared to leave the bus.

• Being courteous is important. Don’t push and shove those ahead and walk in a single file.

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before disembarking.

• Use the handrail to climb down the steps while getting off.

• A student should take several steps away from the bus onto the sidewalk or shoulder and wait for the bus driver to signal that it is ok to cross the road.

Crossing The Street

Children may need to cross the street in order to board the bus or once they get off in the afternoon. Therefore, it is important that they be taught how to cross the road safely and pay attention to the driver’s signals.

• Do not cross the road before the arrival of the school bus.

• Look both ways, right and left, and when safe, walk, not run, across the road.

• When leaving the bus, walk along the side of the road till one can see the driver, stop and wait for the signal to cross and then, look for traffic in both directions before crossing the road at a brisk pace but do not run.

• Parent should teach kids never to cross the road from the back of the school bus, since the driver will not be able to see the child.

• A parent or adult must closely supervise children under the age of 10 while crossing the road and teach older children safe ways of crossing the street at all times. 

Check out these links for additional School Bus Safety information:

Safe Ways of Getting on the Bus: Describes how children can to board the bus properly and safely.

Student Responsibility: Provides information on riding the bus responsibly.

School Bus Safety for Parents: A pamphlet designed for parents to teach kids about staying safe on and off the bus(.pdf file).

Crossing the Road Safely: A safety brochure designed to teach kids how to cross the road safely while boarding or getting off the bus(.pdf file).