According to the National Safety Council, riding a school bus is the safest way for kids to get to school. It is fifty times safer than teens driving themselves or riding with friends, thirteen times safer than riding in a family vehicle, and ten times safer than walking to school. Yet School bus stop safety is still important. Share the following tips with your children to make their bus stop a safer place:
- Wait in a safe place for the bus. If sidewalks are available, wait on them. If not, wait at the edge of the road or preferably on the grass.
- Do not roughhouse or run into the street while waiting for the bus.
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door has opened before approaching it.
- Be at the bus stop several minutes early. Never run to catch the bus.
- Be particularly cautious when crossing the street to get to and from your bus stop. Watch for vehicles, and make sure it is safe to cross the street.
- After being dropped off at your bus stop, if you need to cross the street, cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead that the driver can see you. Only cross the street once the driver has signaled that you can do so safely.
Of course, part of school bus stop safety is making sure adults are also being safe. If you are driving during times when kids will be getting on or off the bus, be aware of bus stops you will be passing. Pay attention to kids, particularly smaller children, who may dart in front of your vehicle without warning. Be sure to stop for buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop signs are pulled out. You are required to do this no matter which side of the road the bus is stopped on. If your own children ride the bus, walk smaller ones to the bus stop, and make sure older children are walking in groups.
Your family’s safety is important to us. Contact us to learn more about keeping your family members safe.
