Safety Tips - Transportation

 

School Bus Danger Zone

Diagram of danger zone around school bus - 10ft from left, right, or front sides, anywhere in rear side

The Danger Zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit. Children should stay ten feet away from the bus (or as far away as they can) and never go behind it. They should take five giant steps in front of the bus before crossing, so they can be seen by the driver.

When you are waiting for the school bus, you should wait at the bus stop, and stand well back from the curb.

When you get off the bus:

  • Look to the rear of the bus before you step off the bottom step. More and more motorists are passing stopped school buses on the right shoulder - where the door is.
  • Take (five giant steps) straight out the bus door, and out of the danger zone.
  • Make sure you have eye contact with the driver, and wait for the driver to signal you before you cross in front of the bus.
  • Never go back for anything you have left on the bus.
  • Never bend down near or under the bus.

 

Drivers

  • When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
  • When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
  • Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.
  • Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
  • Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street with out looking for traffic.
  • Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
    • Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
    • Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
  • Be courteous to school buses, give them room and let them change lanes when they need to.

 

Children

  • Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
  • Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
  • If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
  • Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
  • Stay away from the rear and sides of the bus – always be in a safe place where the driver can see you.
  • Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
  • If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
  • Never run after bus or bang on the side.
  • Your bus driver's number one interest is your safety. He or she will ask you to be on your best behavior.
    • It is important to listen to your bus driver in case there are any special instructions for your bus ride.
    • Sit quietly in your seat.
    • Speak quietly to the other children near you.
  • Do not jump up and down, fight or tease other passengers or make a lot of noise. These activities can
  • bother your bus driver and he or she will not be able to give proper attention to driving.

 

Parents

  • Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.
  • If a parent is bringing their child to the bus stop with a car please avoid parking close to the bus stop. Car should be out of the way so students will be able to stand safely and bus will be able to pick up students with no issues.