Today, schools across the country are beginning the observance of School Bus Safety Week. The theme emphasized during this years School Bus Safety Week: “I see the driver – The driver sees me.”
Traditionally, school bus safety week has focused on enforcing school bus safety laws on motorists. Every driver should absolutely follow bus safety regulations as outlined by state law. As a parent, you should not rely on others following school bus safety laws completely. You and your child need to understand basic school bus safety rules and take precautions.
School Bus Safety
Unfortunately, most children injured in school bus accidents get injured by the school bus itself. Most of these accidents occur while children are getting on or off the bus. That was the case with 11 year old Kaylee Derks, who was struck and fatally injured by the Clark County School bus she had just exited in March. While it is important for drivers to follow bus safety regulations, children also need to be aware that riding a bus is dangerous and a driver won’t always see them. Have a discussion with your child about bus safety and taking precautions to stay safe.
Stay Away as the Bus Approaches
Teach your child or children to keep their distance from the school bus at all times. When the bus approaches them, tell them to be on the sidewalk as far back as possible. They should approach only when bus has come to a complete stop, the doors opened and the bus driver verbally instructed the children that they can enter.
Be Careful Around the Bus
They should never be running, playing or otherwise horsing around while waiting for the bus. When riding the bus, they should remain seated and speak quietly. Loud noises and movement on the bus can distract the driver, and the driver needs to be paying attention and listening to children getting on or off the bus. Explain that if a child received injuries, the bus driver needs to hear them.
“I See the Driver – the Driver Sees Me!”
If your child needs to cross the street after exiting the bus, tell him or her to walk far enough in front of the bus so that the driver can see them. Tell your child to make eye contact with the driver ensure visibility before stepping into the street. Your child should never be behind the bus. Before crossing the rest of the street, make sure your child knows that he or she should repeat the process with all of the cars who have stopped at the bus crossing. They should never step into the street if all cars not completely stopped.
The Bus is a Danger Zone
Stress to your child that he or she should get away from the bus as soon as they exit, they want to minimize their time near the bus as much as possible. Tell your child never to get near the wheels on the bus and under no circumstances should he or she attempt to retrieve an item that has fallen near to, or under the bus. If your child drops something they should ask the driver to pick it up, or have another adult assit once the bus has pulled away.
No Loose Ends
Explain to your child that getting on and off the bus is the biggest safety hazard when riding the bus. Tell your child to use handrails when getting on and off the bus. To avoid falling make sure that their shoes tied and backpacks secured. There should be no loose straps or strings that could catch on doors or hand rails. As soon as your child is off, they should get away from the bus and to the sidewalk as soon as possible.
Keep your Child Safe
If you can, walk your children to the bus stop and be there to greet them upon their return. If not possible because of your work schedule, have a family member do this; or talk to other parents in the neighborhood about the possibility of taking turns. Even if you can supervise your child at the bus stop, know that they need to follow basic safety guidelines. Instructing your child about bus safety and teaching them to be “bus smart” is the best way to prevent your child from being injured in a bus accident. You should also identify any unique hazards about your child’s bus stop or route and instruct your child accordingly. If you feel that a preventable hazard exists, contact the school board to discuss it. Your observations may not only keep your child safe, it may prevent an injury to another child.
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