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Bus-Related Safety Tips

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According to the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), over 25 million children use a school bus each day. In honor of National School Bus Safety Week, here’s a brief review of safety strategies associated with buses and bus stops.

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school bus

Photo: State Farm

Waiting for the Bus

Early morning’s lack of sunlight poses a threat to small passengers waiting for the bus to arrive. Dress your children in bright clothes so the bus driver and other drivers can easily spot them.

Also, make sure they wait at the bus stop at a safe distance away from the road, since drivers are less likely to see small human beings in the darkness of dawn. Discourage children from playing on the street while they wait for the bus, to further minimize potential collisions.

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Cell phones can be distracting to the bus driver, so make sure your child puts their phone on mute while they’re commuting.
Photo: Richard Leeming

Riding on the Bus

There are several guidelines for bus passenger conduct. For cell phones and electronic gadgets, make sure to review your children’s school policies about using media while on the bus. Instruct your children to put their phone on mute and/or use ear buds while riding on the bus, so the driver remains undistracted and everyone stays safe.

It’s also a great idea to make sure that your children don’t carry loose items onto the bus which could fall onto the bus floor, creating a tripping hazard for other passengers. Have them store any pencils and small objects in their backpacks and make sure all backpack pockets are zipped before they leave the house.

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school bus

Children might be excited to get off the bus, but exiting the bus slowly (rather than running,
like this cute dude) is a safer option.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Sarah E. Kusek

Entering and Exiting the Bus

Advise your children that if they drop something when entering or exiting the bus, they should refrain from picking it up. Instead, encourage them to tell the bus driver about the incident.

It might be a no-brainer, but teach young ones to look both ways before crossing the street (using the catchy, albeit-slightly-annoying “Look Both Ways” song, whenever possible). This will help remind them of the safe way to cross a street. For parents, NAPT articulates that it’s best to meet young ones on the side of the street where the bus stops, so they won’t have to cross the street to reunite with you.

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Following these suggestions will ensure that your children stay protected while enjoying a fun ride to and from school each day. Whether they’re riding The Magic School Bus or a more conventional (but-less-exciting) bus.

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News Source: NAPT