School Bus Safety Information and Tips

“The wheels on the bus go round and round...all through the town” remains one of the most commonly sung lines that children sing in unison, while on a school bus. Riding a school bus or the “Big Cheese” to school can be a new and exciting experience for children. They can chat with friends. It also provides them with a sense of comradeship. Riding a bus furthermore gives children a balance of freedom and responsibility. Nonetheless, children must learn to practice school bus safety, such as by reading Child Safety Signs.

About a quarter of students ride a bus to school, and it remains the safest mode of transportation. Bus accidents cause an average of 6,000 injuries and 20 deaths per years, in the U.S., while the majority of them happened as students were boarding and disembarking from, the bus. Students should be cautious getting on the bus, riding the bus, and then exiting the bus. They must be constantly aware of their environment, including posted Child Safety Signs.

Children can practice safety measure before they even step onto the bus! When waiting for a school bus, the child should wait at a distance, in an area that is far from the street and traffic. Also, students should not play while waiting for the bus, or walk onto roads, alleyways or property that is privately owned. They should also be aware of signs around them, such as Child Safety Signs It is not safe to enter the bus until the bus makes a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver signals the children to board the vehicle. When boarding the bus, the handrail should always be used. This may not seem “cool” to some children, but neither is slipping or falling on the stairs.

While on the bus, students should continue to remember to maintain bus safety. Students should locate a seat, and then sit down. Your child should not shout or create other loud noises, which could disturb the driver. Also, children should never place their hands, arms or heads outside the window. Furthermore, aisles on the bus should be clear of bags and books, which could become hazards if an emergency exit were required. Prior to reaching the bus stop, your child should gather his possessions. When the bus stops completely, the student can then stand up, walk to the school bus’s front door, and exit while holding the handrail.

Lastly, students should take certain safety precautions when disembarking from a bus. After reaching the ground, they should take ten huge steps away from the bus, and then stay far away from it. Crossing should be done at a minimum of ten feet in front of the bus, alongside the road. Before crossing, students should face the bus, and verify that they and the driver can see each other. After the bus driver signals the student, he or she can then cross the street. The student should constantly be aware of Child Safety Signs in the area. These Child Safety Signs could save his or her life.

Taking a school bus is still safer than taking a car or bicycle to school. However, taking various safety measures, such as learning the meaning of Child Safety Signs, can keep your child safe and happy on the Big Cheese.