The purpose of school buses is to transport children safely to school. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buses have a 70 times greater chance of getting kids to school safely than cars.
However, during the back-to-school season, the Children’s HealthSM Emergency Department sees an increase in trauma-related pedestrian, bicycle, and school bus injuries, many of which can be avoided by following simple safety guidelines. Check Jay’s Bus Service tips on bus safety for kids to learn more.
Safety starts at the bus stop
Teach children to be careful around bus stops. Before school starts, take them to the bus stop to familiarize them with it. As they wait, remind them not to run or play. It is a good idea for them to arrive five minutes before the bus arrives to pick them up for school. It is recommended that they stay away from the curb for at least 10 feet while they wait to be picked up.
School bus safety tips for kids
Kids can stay safe on the bus by following these bus safety tips offered by Lakewood, NJ premier bus provider Jay’s Bus Service:
- Make sure your kids know that yellow flashing lights indicate a bus is about to stop.
- Don’t board the bus until the driver says it’s safe.
- Respect the bus driver and follow his directions at all times.
- While riding the bus, remain seated.
- Standing within 10 feet of the bus will make it impossible for the driver to see you. Avoid this danger zone at all costs.
- If anything falls under the bus, tell the driver. Do not attempt to pick it up on your own.
- Keep a safe distance from the street while you wait for the bus.
- Check the bus safety lights when you get on or off the bus.
- When you exit the bus, stop and look both ways.
- Don’t cross the street in front of the bus until the bus driver indicates it is safe to do so.
School buses: how safe are they?
In order to meet strict crash-test criteria, school buses are designed according to strict NHTSA guidelines. The school buses of Jay’s Bus Service, a transportation company that provides school bus service for schools, camps and charter trips, are equipped with the following safety features:
- Having a cross-view mirror
- Flashing red lights
- Yellow color that is highly visible
- An arm for stop signs
- On the inside of school buses, you will find the following safety features:
- High-crush standards
- Protective seating
- Rollover protection features
- Safety for school bus drivers
- There are a number of safety checks that school bus drivers must pass, including:
- Safety training at the highest level
- Record checks and background checks
- Random and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
Please contact the transportation administrator of your school district if you have specific questions about the school district’s buses or bus drivers.