Search form


School Bus Safety Tips to Share With Parents

When it comes to the bus, safety is a top concern. Administrators may be looking for tips to share with parents as school begins this fall. For good advice on this issue, just ask the experts.

"As children begin preparing to return to school, it's important for parents and children to go over school bus safety tips together," says Susan Laurence, injury prevention coordinator, Trauma Services at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "This will help ensure a safe, enjoyable start to the school year for everyone."

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, an average of 19 school-age occupants of school transportation vehicles and pedestrians die in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year.

According to Laurence, many injuries happen when children are boarding or exiting the bus. "A blind spot extends about ten feet in front of the bus, obstructing the driver's view," she said. "Often, children are not aware of this blind spot and might mistakenly believe that if they can see the bus, the bus driver can see them," she said.  

Laurence offers the following suggestions to parents to help ensure their child is safe before, during and after their school bus ride.

  • Make sure your child arrives at the stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.
  • Encourage your child to avoid horseplay while waiting on the bus.
  • Remind your child to remain seated while on the bus, face forward at all times and keep the aisles clear.
  • Remind your child not to shout while on the bus or distract the driver unnecessarily.
  • Make sure your child knows to keep his head and arms inside the bus at all times.
  • Remove loose drawstrings or ties on your child's jacket because they can snag on bus handrails.

When boarding or leaving the bus, parents should instruct their child to:

  • Always walk in a single file line and use the handrail to avoid falls.
  • Look before stepping into the street to make sure there are no cars passing the bus.
  • Cross the street at least 10 feet (or 5 giant steps) in front of the bus.
  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting.
  • Always exit from the front of the bus.
  • Ask the bus driver for help if anything is dropped while entering or exiting the bus.

 

Education World®             
Copyright © 2011 Education World