While most parents begin the process of teaching their
children basic safety rules at an early age, special
emphasis should be put on school bus safety before they
begin their school careers. Though much of it may seem to
be common sense, it deserves the time it takes to
verbalize those steps that we often take for granted.
Anyone with children will tell you that specifics are
often needed when setting guidelines for youngsters.
Adequate time for preparation is often overlooked when
we’re coaching our children about the necessary safety
measures that they must take while on their way to school.
If they’re rushed in the morning, because they got a late
start or are just slow movers, they’re more inclined to
kick into overdrive at the last minute, in order to catch
the bus on time. When that happens, the setting is ripe
for an accident. Tripping and falling may be the result
of haste, and injuries can be the outcome. Anything that
can be done the night before will help to make the
atmosphere calmer and less frenetic.
Either accompany your children to the bus stop or arrange
for them to walk in groups. The old adage which states,
“There’s safety in numbers,” is all too true in our modern
society. Make sure that the same is true for their
departure from the bus when they’re dropped off in the
afternoon and, if the need for them to get off at a
different stop should arise, be sure to send them with a
note for the school, and place a phone call to confirm
that the note was received. For parents who plan to wait
for the bus at the end of the school day, be sure to wait
on the side of the road that the bus will be on, rather
than across the street, in order to avoid making children
cross over traffic.
Teach your children to make sure that all loose objects
are secure before entering or exiting the bus, in order to
eliminate the possibility that they may become caught on
the handrail or some other part of the door assembly. If
something should get caught – or fall out of their hands
or backpack – train them to wait for specific instructions
from the bus driver before taking any action.
Youngsters should always remain in their seats when
they’re passengers on a school bus. Serious injuries can
be the result of standing, walking or switching seats when
the bus is in motion, and kids may not be able to return
to the safety of their seats on time if they’ve left them
during a brief stop. Of course, the possibility exists
for this type of behavior to distract the bus driver,
which can also prove to be hazardous when the bus is in
motion.
After exiting the school bus, youngsters should be sure
that no traffic is moving and that the flashing lights and
stop sign are apparent on the bus. Only when they’re sure
that all of these conditions are met should they begin to
cross the street, if that should be necessary. If any one
of those circumstances is missing from the picture,
children should be instructed to wait until the bus driver
motions them to cross.
These, as well as other common safety tips, will help to
ensure that your children arrive to and from school
without incident each day. For rules that are specific to
your school district, contact the principal or
superintendent of schools in your area.
