For parents, it is comforting to know that the safety record for school buses is remarkable. Thanks in large part to trained and vetted drivers, students traveling on a school bus are 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a bus than by car.
In fact, the most dangerous place for students isn’t on the school bus but the area outside the bus.
That’s why being safety-conscious is not only important for school bus drivers, but also for students, parents, and motorists.
We all have a role in making sure children’s travel to and from school is safe.
Here are some things parents can do to help ensure children arrive safely:
- Dress students in bright clothing that’s easy to see and does not obstruct their vision.
- Provide children with backpacks or book bags so they do not endanger themselves recovering dropped items.
- Make sure clothing and book bags are free of dangling drawstrings or other items that could get caught on the handrail or door of the bus as children are boarding or exiting.
- Ensure that students are at the bus stop a few minutes before the bus arrives.
- Remind children of their responsibility to behave properly while waiting for and riding on the bus.
- Tell students to always cross in front of the bus and to be aware of drivers illegally passing the school bus. Even adults don’t always follow the rules of the road, so children should be extra-cautious.
- Keep bus stop areas free of trash cans, snow drifts in winter, or other obstructions that could make it difficult for the driver or other motorists to see children.
School bus drivers, bus aides, teachers, and other school employees are proud to work with you to keep children safe. When families and school staff work together, our children are the winners.