This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

School Bus Safety

It is early fall and that means back to school. Those big yellow kid mobiles are back. As parents, we can teach these instructions to our children to make sure they make this important trip safely.

It is early fall and that means back to school. After a summer of absence, those big yellow kid mobiles are back. They transport our children back and forth to a place where they learn and grow. As parents, we can teach these instructions to our children to make sure they make this important trip safely.

 

Waiting For The Bus

Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather. Nobody likes to wait in the rain without a rain coat or umbrella.
  • Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.
  • Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or offer you a ride.
  • While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road.  Do not run and play while waiting.

 

Boarding the Bus

Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps 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.
  • Upon entering the bus, go directly to a seat and sit down.

 

 Riding The Bus

  • Speak quietly on the bus so the driver is not distracted.
  • Behave on the bus so the driver is not distracted.
  • Be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can listen for a train   
  • Never throw things in the bus or out the windows.
  • Keep the aisles clear at all times. Book bags should be kept on your lap.
  • Sit facing forward with your Feet on the floor.
  • Never play with the emergency exits.
  • If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

 

Exiting The Bus

  • When exiting the bus, use the handrails.
  • Be careful with loose clothing, drawstrings and straps. They can get caught on the railings or in the door.
  • If you have to cross the street, always, cross in front of the bus. Make sure you have eye contact with the driver, and wait for the driver to signal you to cross. Never walk behind the bus.

 

ADULTS

As drivers we need to exercise extra caution. With school in session, many more children will be on the streets and sidewalks. After 3 months of summer driving without kids going to and from school, we may also be a bit rusty in our own alertness. Here are a few reminders for adults to help keep school age children safe while going to and from 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.
  • When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
  • Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
  • Be aware when driving near schools. These areas can be very busy in the morning and afternoon. There will be many children running, playing,      walking through parking lots, getting on/off buses and using crosswalks.
  • Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street.
  • Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists:
  • Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop, 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 driving again.
  • The start of a school year is an exciting time for both children and parents.  Teach school transportation safety habits to children. As an adult, be alert to school transportation. Getting children to school safely will allow them to focus on learning the tools of their future and achieving an education.

 

Charlie Foxman

Midwest Martial Arts Academy 

BlackBeltEdge.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Creve Coeur