Bus drivers, teachers and School-Related Professionals can post these safety tips from Student Transportation of America on the bus and around their schools to remind students and parents about bus safety.
Safety tips for students:
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Be on time for your school bus and never run after or next to a bus.
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If the windows are open, keep your head and arms inside the bus.
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Stay away from the Danger Zones: within 10 feet to the front, back and sides of a bus.
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If you drop something near the bus, never bend down or crawl under the bus to get it — ask your bus driver for help.
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If you must cross the street, always do so in front of the bus. Be sure the bus driver is aware of your action. Make sure the red lights are flashing and walk in front of the crossing gate arm that extends in front of the school bus.
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Pay attention. Listen and look both ways before stepping off the bus or crossing the street. Don’t let sweatshirt hoods or headphones block your vision or hearing.
Safety tips for parents:
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If you drop off or pick up your child at school, do not park in a bus-only zone. It may cause a collision and adds unnecessary risk to the safety of kids walking through a danger zone area.
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Check your child’s clothing and backpack to make sure there are no loose drawstrings or long straps that could get caught in the handrail or bus door.
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Make sure your child gets to the bus stop on time. The beginning of the school year holds a greater risk of students rushing to make their bus, since many have to get up earlier than they’re used to.
Safety tips for motorists:
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Stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
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Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop when the red lights are flashing. In New York, and most states, vehicles moving in the opposite direction also must stop, unless a concrete barrier divides the road.
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Never pass a school bus on the right side, where children enter or exit.