Posts: School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 15 - 19)
10/17/2012 9:34 AM by Greg.Norton
School bus safety tips
For students:
● arrive five minutes in advance of the bus and stand away from the roadway while waiting.
● wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and for the driver's signal before moving to board.
● always walk outside of the Danger Zones - areas within three metres to the front, two metres to the sides and anywhere to the back of the bus - so the driver can see you.
● if you drop something near the bus, never bend down or crawl under the bus to get it - ask your driver for help.
● pay attention. Listen and look both ways before stepping off the bus and wait for the bus driver's signal if crossing the street. Do not let sweatshirt hoods or headphones block your vision or hearing.
For parents:
● help your children leave on time. Allow for weather and plan to arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
● walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
● make sure your child stands at least three metres from the road while waiting for the bus.
● check your child's clothing and backpack to make sure there are no loose drawstrings or long straps that could get caught in a bus door - and teach them to do the same.
● warn children that if they drop something near the bus, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver's instructions.
● remind your children that if they are late for their bus: never run across the street; never run after the bus; and do not bang on the side.
For motorists:
● never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
● stop at least two car lengths from a school bus that has its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended.
● remain stopped until the overhead red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move.
● when meeting a school bus in oncoming traffic, stop far enough away to allow students to cross the road well ahead of the bus bumper.
● be extra vigilant driving around school hours; assume a child might run out at any moment.
● be courteous to school bus drivers, give the buses room; and let drivers change lanes when they need to.
● if you spot a driver who does not stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing, safely pull over and record the following:
o location, date and time;
o make, model, colour and licence plate;
o description of the driver;
o size of the bus (small or large);
o children boarding or exiting the bus;
o driver passed from the front or from behind the bus; and if you are able,
o report the incident to police as soon as possible by telephone or in person.
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School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 15 - 19) - Posted October 17, 2012
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October 17, 2012
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