Practice School Bus Safety

September 16, 2004

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Practice School Bus Safety

Active students, cumbersome school buses and dusky mornings and afternoons can increase the chance of an accident, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension safety specialist. The risks and hazards can be reduced if students, parents and drivers take a few precautions.

The loading zone can be dangerous. Students should stay away from the loading zone while waiting for the bus. Every year, school bus drivers receive training to improve their degree of skill and caution. Students need to do their part by being cautious and careful.

“Bright colored clothing and reflective appliqués can increase the visibility of students in poor light conditions,” Maher says. “Without these, students may not be easily seen in the pre-dawn hours. Another safe practice is designating a well lighted area for the bus to pick up students. For enhanced visibility, it should be close to a yard light.”

Students should wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop and for the door to open before entering the loading zone. They should not cross the road in front of the school bus until it has come to a complete stop, the stop sign has extended and the driver has signaled for them to cross.

A single line of students should be formed, with no pushing or shoving, before or during boarding. “It is much too easy for a child to get hurt while attempting to board the bus while rough-housing is going on,” Maher says.

The bus ride is safer and more enjoyable when safety and courtesy is practiced.

Additional suggestions for a safe and enjoyable bus ride:

Always stay in your seat whenever the bus is moving or when other students are getting on or off.
Long conversations can distract the bus driver. Keep conversations short to be safe.
The volume should be reduced on walkman radios and cassette/CD players so all riders can hear instructions from the bus driver.
When transferring to another bus, go directly to it.
Leave the unloading zone after getting off the bus; otherwise, the driver may not be able to see the student.
Don’t push when getting on or off the bus. The driver will give students plenty of time.
Don't throw things at other students or out the windows.
Set a good example for younger children. Be patient and remember you were young once too!

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

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu

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