10/21/2012
While school buses are an extremely safe form of transportation, about 30 times safer than passenger cars, accidents do happen. The majority of accidents occur outside the bus, where children can be struck by the bus or by motorists illegally passing the bus.
Because getting on and off the bus is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride, the loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” In this area – ten feet in front of the bus, ten feet on each side of the bus, and ten feet behind the bus – it can be difficult for the driver to see a child, especially a small child. The most dangerous parts of the “Danger Zone” are immediately in front of the bus and from in front of the rear wheels back to the rear of the bus.
Although side-view and crossover mirrors, flat-nosed buses, and crossing control arms all help increase the bus driver’s field of vision and add to the safety of children, other safety steps should be taken. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautions parents and teachers to help students learn the following school bus safety practices:
•Get to the bus stop five minutes before the bus arrives. Running to catch the bus is dangerous and can lead to injuries.
•Cross the street at least 10 feet – or 10 giant steps – in front of the bus. Be sure the bus driver can see you and you can see the bus driver when crossing the street. Always look left-right-left before crossing.
•When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps away from the curb. Line up in a single file line away from the street and avoid horseplay.
•Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before getting on the bus.
•Never walk behind the bus, and walk at least five giant steps away from the side of the bus. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up, because the driver might not be able to see you.
•Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting. When getting on or off the bus, never push other kids and be careful that clothing with drawstrings or backpacks with straps don’t get caught in handrails or door. Always use handrails to avoid falls.
Students should also be taught to go right to their seat and face forward once they board the bus, then sit quietly with no screaming or shouting to distract the driver during the ride. Tell your children to obey the driver and never throw objects or stick anything out the bus window – including arms, legs, head or book bags.
It’s a great idea for parents to coordinate with other parents to make sure an adult is present at the bus stop every day, especially when children under the age of nine are present. Tell your kids to come straight home after getting off the bus unless they have permission from you to do otherwise. Students should know it’s okay to tell the bus driver or another adult if someone is bothering them at the bus stop or while on the school bus. Warn your kids to stay with other children at the bus stop and never speak to strangers.
