WIREGRASS: During National School Bus Safety Week- Simple habits, practiced every day, help protect the children who ride the bus
Every school day, millions of children climb aboard a bus with a backpack, a lunch, and the trust of the families who waved them off. School buses are among the safest ways to get to school, and a few simple habits can make the trip safer still. Here is what safety advocates commonly recommend.
For Students
Arrive early. Get to the stop a few minutes ahead of time so there is no running toward the bus.
Wait safely. Stand well back from the curb, about three giant steps, and wait for the bus to come to a full stop and the door to open.
Cross with care. If you must cross the street, walk about ten feet in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Make eye contact and wait for the driver’s signal before stepping out.
Stay seated. Sit facing forward, keep aisles clear, and keep hands and heads inside the bus.
Never chase a dropped item. If something falls near the bus, tell the driver instead of bending down to pick it up. The driver may not be able to see you.
For Parents and Caregivers
Walk the route to the stop with younger children and talk through each step, including where to wait, how to cross, and what to do if something goes wrong. Choose backpacks without long dangling straps or drawstrings, which can catch on handrails and doors. Remind children that the driver is there to help and that they can always speak up if they are worried or something feels unsafe.
For Drivers Sharing the Road
Motorists play an important part, too. When a school bus flashes its red lights and extends its stop arm, traffic must stop. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in every state. Slow down in school zones, watch for children near bus stops, and stay alert before and after school, when kids may be hurrying or distracted.
A Shared Responsibility
Safe rides depend on the whole community, including students, families, drivers, and neighbors. A few extra seconds of patience at a bus stop can mean a child comes home safe at the end of the day.
