For 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. In 1995, 23 student pedestrians were killed nationwide in school bus loading/unloading zones. Before children go back to school or start school for the first time, it is important that adults and children know school bus safety rules.

Every school bus is surrounded by a danger zone. A danger zone consists of the 10 feet in front of the bus, and on all other sides of the bus that are used for loading and unloading the bus.

Following a few simple school bus safety tips will ensure that all children are safe around the danger zones of a school bus. 1.) Children should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early to prevent running up to the bus stop when the bus is approaching.
2.) As the bus approaches, stand at least 6 feet away from the curb.
3.) Wait for the bus driver to signal before entering the bus. 4.) Use hand rails to avoid falls.
5.) When crossing in front of a bus, wait for the driver to signal before crossing.
6.) Be sure the driver can see you at all times. Just because a child can see the driver does not mean the driver always sees the child.
7.) Always look left-right-left before crossing the street.
8.) Never walk behind the school bus.
9.) If you drop something, notify the driver immediately. Never try to pick it up.

School bus safety is everyone's business. Parents should take time to be sure children know and obey the rules of school bus safety.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Children's Clothing Gets Caught When Exiting School Buses
Across the U.S., children are being injured or killed when their clothing is caught in the
bus handrail, door, or other equipment, and they are dragged by the bus.

Jacket or sweatshirt drawstrings, backpack straps, scarves, or other loose clothing are especially dangerous.

Your vigilance can prevent a tragedy!

Remember these loading & unloading safety rules:

• Watch for children with long drawstrings, loose clothing, or other items that may become caught in handrails.
• Make sure your bus handrail is not attached to the bus at such an angle that it can easily catch a drawstring. Check with your supervisor to determine if your bus has been recalled. Defective handrails should be corrected immediately.
• To assure safety, at each stop, monitor the children as they exit your bus. If you are unable to account for a child outside the bus, secure the bus & check both around & underneath the bus.
• Never move the bus until you are positive all children are safely out of the Danger Zones.
• Count children as they exit the bus. If you lose count of a child outside the bus, shut the bus off, secure it, & check underneath.
• After each stop, carefully scan the entire area before moving. Be alert for any warnings (from bystanders, teachers, or motorists outside the bus or student inside the bus) as you pull away from the bus stop.

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Writer: Martha Kingston