Do you remember the people who drove your school buses when you were growing up? I certainly do! In preschool, my bus driver was Mr. Ralph, and everyone loved him. When he was my little brother’s bus driver a few years later, I was always excited to say hi to him while meeting my brother at the bus stop. In high school, my bus driver’s name was Janet. She wasn’t afraid to hand out detentions to kids who didn’t follow the rules. I have both fond and not-so-fond memories of riding the yellow school bus growing up, as I’m sure many of us do. But beyond the nostalgia, there’s a serious danger associated with school buses that can’t be overlooked. This week is School Bus Safety Week and we’re breaking down four important things to keep in mind about school bus safety.
1. Stop, Look, and Listen
The first thing on our list is a classic, and for good reason! When the school bus’s stop arm is extended and the lights are flashing, all vehicles must stop. This is so children can safely enter and exit the bus. It’s also important to remember that the "stop, look, and listen" rule applies to all roadway users. Those riding bikes, for example, must stop as well.
2. Report unsafe behavior.
If you witness unsafe behavior around a school bus, don’t hesitate to report it to the school authorities or local law enforcement. This could include anything from a driver who fails to stop for a school bus to school bus drivers who are not following the rules of the road.
3. Set a good example for children.
Start teaching children about school bus safety from a young age. Explain the importance of staying seated, following the driver’s instructions, and never chasing the bus. When you stop for a school bus, explain to them why it’s important to do so. It’s also important to teach children to be aware of their surroundings and to use caution when getting on and off the bus.
4. Be careful at the bus stop.
While the school bus itself is generally a safe mode of transportation, it’s important to remember that collisions can also happen while walking to and from the bus stop. Teach children to follow pedestrian safety rules, such as crossing at designated crosswalks, using sidewalks when available, and looking both ways before crossing the street.
By following these simple guidelines, we can help make sure that our children have a safe and memorable ride to and from school. Make School Bus Safety Week a time to promote awareness and prioritize safety.
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Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.
Do you remember the people who drove your school buses when you were growing up? I certainly do! In preschool, my bus driver was Mr. Ralph, and everyone loved him. When he was my little brother’s bus driver a few years later, I was always excited to say hi to him while meeting my brother at the bus stop. In high school, my bus driver’s name was Janet. She wasn’t afraid to hand out detentions to kids who didn’t follow the rules. I have both fond and not-so-fond memories of riding the yellow school bus growing up, as I’m sure many of us do. But beyond the nostalgia, there’s a serious danger associated with school buses that can’t be overlooked. This week is School Bus Safety Week and we’re breaking down four important things to keep in mind about school bus safety.