School Bus Safety - Tips for Students

Walking to the bus stop

Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.
Always leave home on time so you can walk to the bus stop and arrive at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Waiting to board a bus

While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road.
Do not play running games or push and shove at the bus stop.
Keep the roadway clear of books, clothing, and other articles. Never play in the path of traffic, and stand well away from the road when the bus approaches.
Remember that fighting at bus stops, and/or on the way to and from a school bus stop, subjects the student to disciplinary action (to be reported to the school principal).
Do not run alongside the bus when the bus is moving. Wait until the bus stops; then walk to the door and board the bus in an orderly manner. Do not push or shove.
Remember that students living on the opposite side of the road from a bus stop should wait on their side of the road until the bus arrives. Watch for the red flashing lights and stop arm to be extended. Cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left and right and left again before crossing.
Always cross the street in front of the bus.
Respect the "Danger Zone." Remain 10 steps away from the bus where the driver can see you.
Enter the bus in line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs.
When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.

Riding the bus

Be seated immediately, and remain seated while the bus is in motion. If a seat is not available, passengers should hold onto the back of a seat.
Obey the driver’s instructions. The driver of a school bus is in complete charge of the passengers while they are aboard.
Always speak in a quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing, so the driver can hear if a train is coming.
Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and bookbags should be kept on your lap. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits.
Do not tamper with the emergency door, fire extinguisher, or other equipment on the bus. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
Hands should be kept to yourself at all times while riding on the bus. Fighting and picking on others creates a dangerous bus ride.
Do not extend arms, legs, or head out of the bus.
Do not mar or deface the bus. Seat coverings must not be damaged in any manner. Anyone caught damaging the equipment will be subject to disciplinary action and/or restitution.
Keep the bus clean. Do not throw wastepaper on the floor.
Remember that smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted on the school bus.
Know that the use of profanity and obscene signs on the school bus are prohibited.

Exiting the bus on the trip home

Passengers are permitted to leave the bus only at the regular, designated stop. Any change must be made with the parent’s/guardian’s request in writing and must be approved by the signature of the school principal.
If a student lives on the opposite side of a road from the bus stop, the student should go to the front of the bus and wait until the bus driver gives the signal to cross the road. Never cross the road in the rear of a stopped school bus.
If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and may begin moving the bus.
Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that they do not get caught on the handrail or the door.
Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.
Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents, the bus driver and principal if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.