August 29, 2002

Safety Is Always First On The School Bus

With school open, children have gone back to riding the bus. Active students, cumbersome school busses, dusky mornings and afternoons all come together to increase the chances of an accident. According to a North Dakota State University agriculture safety expert, the risks and hazards can be reduced when students, parents and drivers take a few precautions.

The loading zone presents many opportunities for an accident and students should always stay away while waiting for the bus. “Every year, school bus drivers receive training to improve their degree of skill and caution. Students also need to be cautious and careful,” says George Maher, NDSU Extension Service.

Bright-colored clothing and reflective appliques can increase the visibility of students in poor light conditions. Without these, Maher says, students may not be seen in the dusky, pre-dawn hours. Also Designate a well lighted area for the bus to pickup riders.

Students who have nothing to do while waiting for the bus will often resort to horseplay and rough-housing. According to Maher, those who are rough-housing at the bus stop are unpredictable and difficult for a bus driver to cope with.

Students should wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop and the door to be opened before entering the loading zone. Students should be form a single line with no pushing or shoving. “It is too easy for a child to get hurt while attempting to board the bus while rough-housing,” Maher says.

Maher gives some additional suggestions that will allow bus riders to have a safe and enjoyable ride:

• Always stay in your seat when the bus is moving or when other students are getting on or off.

• Keep conversations with the bus driver short to be safe, long conversations can distract the bus driver.

• Reduce the volume on walk-man radios and cassette/CD players to insure that all riders can hear instructions from the bus driver.

• When transferring to another bus, go directly to it.

• Leave the unloading zone after exiting the bus, so the driver can see you.

• Don’t push when getting on or off the bus, the bus driver will always give you time.

• Don't throw things at other students or out the windows.

• Set a good example for younger children, be patient with them; remember, you were young once! 

“The bus driver’s job is to deliver everyone safely to school or home. Students can be very helpful by following instructions, being courteous, and communicating when necessary,” says Maher.  “When everybody cooperates, riding the bus can be fun and safe for all.”

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, srenner@ndsuext.nodak.edu