School Bus Safety

     If you ride a school bus, make sure that you remember the following rules:

Street Smarts

• Never run into the street.

• Look and listen for cars and trucks to the left, then to the right, and then to the left again.

• Never go between parked cars to cross the street.

• Always walk with a friend or a parent.

• Don’t talk to strangers. If a stranger comes up to you, yell as loud as you can.

• Never get into a stranger’s car.

The Danger Zone
There is a 10-foot area around the bus known as the Danger Zone. The bus driver is not able to see anything in this area. The Danger Zone is right in front of the bus and the area all around the rear wheels and the back of the bus.

Waiting for the Bus

• Be at the bus stop 5 minutes early.

• Stay away from the curb.

• Be quiet while you wait for the bus.

• Don’t get on the bus until it stops.

• Don’t push getting on or off the bus.

Riding the Bus

• Find a seat, sit down and face forward.

• Follow directions and listen to the bus driver.

• Keep the aisles clear.

• Don’t stick anything out of the windows – including your head and your arms.

• Don’t throw anything inside the bus or out a bus window.

• Talk quietly to your friends – don’t shout.

Getting Off the Bus

• Watch that your clothing and book bags don’t get caught in the door or railings.

• Cross the street in front of the bus while it is still stopped. Never cross the street behind the bus.

• If you drop something by the bus, never try to pick it up. Tell the bus driver.

• Do not go into the Danger Zone.

• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

Other Tips

• In winter, dress warm. Wear bright colors. Make sure you can see and hear through your hat and scarf.

• In winter and in rain, stand back. The bus needs more room to stop when the road is wet or icy.