The new school year is here! While you're getting ready to get back in the routine it's a great idea to talk to your kids about school bus safety! It also wouldn't hurt to brush up on it yourself! Not only do kids need to be prepared and informed, drivers need to remember to be cautious when on the road.
Protect Our Students!
Of course, when we think of getting our children to the bus on time we usually picture rushing around and making sure we get them there before the bus leaves. Did you know it is recommended that children arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time? Here are some other great tips to protect our children...
Drivers Be Aware!
We know it can be frustrated when you're trying to get to work on time and you get stuck behind numerous buses as they continue on their route. However, remember that the law requires you to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off students. Here is some more clarification on the subject...
Protect Our Students!
Of course, when we think of getting our children to the bus on time we usually picture rushing around and making sure we get them there before the bus leaves. Did you know it is recommended that children arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time? Here are some other great tips to protect our children...
- The Danger Zone: Stay away from the danger zone around the bus. The danger zone is defined as 10-ft all the way around the bus where the kids are in danger of getting hit. Tell your children it's best to take five giant steps back from the bus to make sure the driver can see them.
- Complete Stop: Tell them to wait till the bus is completely stopped and they have the signal from the driver before attempting to board the school bus.
- Double Check: It's best if they double check the road by looking left and right to make sure it's clear. This is even more important when the bus is parked away from the curb.
- Listen Up!: It's really important they listen to the bus driver or any other adult in charge of safety on the bus. They will let them know when it's safe to exit and also give instructions in case of emergency.
Drivers Be Aware!
We know it can be frustrated when you're trying to get to work on time and you get stuck behind numerous buses as they continue on their route. However, remember that the law requires you to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off students. Here is some more clarification on the subject...
- If the bus is stopped, its red lights are flashing and its stop sign is out on the left side, you must stop, too. This means children could be out around the bus! Do not try to go around the bus. Children expect traffic to stop and might not see you!
- On a two-lane road: Traffic going in both directions must stop.
- On a multi-lane, one-way road: Traffic in all lanes must stop.
- On a 4-lane roadway, with at least two lanes traveling in opposite directions: Traffic traveling the same direction as the bus must stop. Traffic going the opposite way of the bus does not have to stop; However, it would be best if they would at least slow down a little and be on the lookout for children.
- Railroad crossings: School buses have to stop at railroad crossings. So be ready for that bus in front of you to stop. Make sure the bus has completely cleared the tracks before you follow it.