Is your child taking the school bus? Here are 9 tips to keep them safe
Teach your children these tips and rules to keep them safe during pickup and drop-off.
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School buses are back on the road! Is your child taking the school bus?
Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus instead of traveling by car. That’s because school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
MORE: Need to brush up on pedestrian safety? Here are tips.
Teach your children these tips and behavior rules to keep them safe during pickup and drop-off:
1. Bus stop
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus - at least five steps away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
2. Be considerate
Be considerate of the property owner wherever the bus stop is located.
3. Wait
Children should always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for them to go to board.
4. Crossing the street
Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver and wait for the signal to cross.
MORE: School buses and students are back on the road! These tips for drivers help protect children
5. Dropped something?
If your child drops something near the school bus, like a ball or book, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up the item, because the driver might not be able to see them.
6. Don’t push/shove
Students must not push and/or shove their way on or off the bus.
7. Face forward
After finding a seat on the bus, children should face forward.
MORE: Tips for children walking or bicycling to school
8. Seat belts
Students must wear provided seat belts. Parents should teach the young children how to do this on their own.
9. Exiting
Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
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