Student Safety Tips

Most serious school bus incidents occur when children are outside buses and most involve children under the age of nine.

10 Simple Rules

Help keep children safe by teaching 10 simple safety rules:

    1. Be early for the bus.
    2. Never run to or from the bus.
    3. Be alert and stand back from the curb.
    4. Don't push or shove.
    5. Stay in your seat.
    6. Don't yell or shout.
    7. Always obey the driver.
    8. Wait for the driver's signal before crossing the street.
    9. Always walk at least 12 feet (6 giant steps) in front of the bus.
  10. Never crawl under a school bus.

Keeping Children Safe at Bus Stops

Adults should go with children to, and meet children at, yellow bus stops. This is required for kindergarten students.

Remove Drawstrings

Drawstrings on clothing can catch in school bus doors, as well as on playground equipment, fences and escalators. Remove or shorten drawstrings on children's shirts, jackets or backpacks, or replace drawstrings with another kind of fastener that does not have a knot on the end.

Avoid Using Gadgets Near Buses

Headphones, cell phones and MP3 players are examples of gadgets that can distract children from knowing when a bus is approaching. Urge your children to wait to use gadgets such as these until they are a safe distance from the bus.