NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

September 2, 1999

Safety First is the Golden Rule on the School Bus

As you pack lunches and backpacks, make a review of school bus safety a part of your back-to-school routine, advises a North Dakota State University safety specialist.

"Poor light conditions, cumbersome school buses and active youngsters can make a dangerous combination," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "Some safety guidelines at the bus stop and on the bus are essential." He offers the following suggestions:

• Always stay in your seat whenever the bus is moving, or when other students are getting on or off.
• Don't distract the bus driver with long conversations.
• Keep the volume down on portable radios and cassette players so you can hear instructions from the bus driver.
• When transferring to another bus, go directly to it as instructed by the bus drivers.
• Leave the unloading zone immediately after getting off the bus. Don't linger where the driver may not be able to see you.
• Don't push when getting on or off the bus. Your turn is coming. The bus driver will always give you time to get on or off the bus safely.
• Don't throw things at other students or out the windows.
• Be patient with younger and smaller children. Set a good example for them.

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629

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