School Bus Safety Tips for Driver, Parents & Kids

While some kids are still enjoying their summertime freedom, Phoenix area students are already heading back to the classroom. Gearing up for the new school year means watching out for those big, yellow buses during regular commutes. School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation and accidents are rare because school districts take every measure to ensure drivers are well trained to avoid collisions and keep their young passengers safe. Parents and other motorists should also do their parts in ensuring every child’s safety, not only while they’re on the bus, but also getting on and off.

Safety Tips for Motorists

As a motorist, you should always be aware of what a school bus is doing. Although buses are designed to withstand most crashes without serious injuries or fatalities, serious crashes can have heartbreaking results. Further, many fatalities occur while children are entering or exiting the bus. Phoenix bus accident attorneys suggest you:

Slowdown in school zones and other areas children are present
Heed all school bus warning lights and mechanical stop signs
Come to a complete stop when buses are loading or unloading passengers
Wait to proceed until lights stop flashing and stop sign lowers

Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

As a parent, you can help prevent accidents by teaching your children the safest ways to get on and off buses. Train children to avoid the bus’s danger zone and to stay alert when entering or exiting a loading area. Remind them to watch for cars who aren’t watching for them and to make sure the bus driver can see them at all times, by:

Taking five giant steps away from the bus
Keeping eye contact with the driver
Always crossing in front of the bus
Never going back for anything
Never bending down in front of or underneath the bus