Thursday, September 8, 2011

Let's Talk Bus Safety

So no car seats on the bus, but at least there's seat belts! 

My son started 1st grade this year in another new school. So as a new student in a new school you get to watch the new kid riding the bus video during orientation. We all gathered at the school and watched a bus safety video with our kids. It had a lot of great information and I'm hoping he took in a little of it, but still feel like I need to help him remember some of the tips and information throughout each week. He had a bad experience in our last town as a Kindergartener, so I decided to just pick him up and take him in each day since I knew we were moving again this year.  But now that we're in the town we hope to stay in for a while it's time for him to learn some bus rules. So far we're 7 days in and he's loving riding the bus! 

Here are a few safety tips to help you with your children. 
 
Walking to the Bus Stop
Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop; never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.

Go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting

Getting On and Off the Bus
Enter the bus in a line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs.

When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.


Riding the Bus
Always speak quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is coming.

Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and bookbags should be kept on your lap.

Never play with the emergency exits. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

Hands should be kept to yourself at all times while riding on the bus. Fighting and picking on others creates a dangerous bus ride.

Exiting the Bus
If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and she may begin moving the bus. Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that they do not get caught on the handrail or the door.

Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you.

Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.

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 pick you up.
  



Thank you to this wonderful sight for some great information on School Bus Safety.

Watch a quick safety video.