Remember Safety First During School Bus Safety Week
School Bus Safety Week is held during the third full week of October each year. The awareness campaign was created to bring attention to simple steps that can keep everyone safe.
When encountering a bus remember:
- Slow Down – drive at a reasonable speed
- Be Alert – watch for children around the bus – don’t be distracted
- Stop – come to a complete stop for the stop signal at least 20 feet away from the bus
- Wait – only start moving when the stop signal and flashing lights are off and the bus is moving
- Watch Out – for young people that may not be paying attention to their surroundings
In every state, it is illegal for vehicle drivers to pass a school bus while the school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.
Remember to talk with students in your family about safety around the bus including:
- Be on Time – make sure to get to the bus stop on time so you are not rushing
- Stay Clear – stay with your parent or other trusted adult at your bus stop until the bus comes
- Steps Back – always stay at least 5 big steps away from the roadway
- Wait – Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop with red lights flashing BEFORE walking towards the bus
- Stay in Front – NEVER walk behind the bus – the driver cannot see you
- Whoops – if you drop something near the school bus – tell your driver – they will help you retrieve it safely
- Clear Crossing – if you are crossing the street, always look left, then right, then left again before you start crossing
While on the bus, don’t move around. Get to your seat and stay there until it is time to get off the bus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “From 2013 to 2022, there were 976 fatal school-transportation-related crashes, and 1,082 people of all ages were killed in those crashes — an average of 108 fatalities per year.”
Remembering these simple tips can keep everyone safe.
