School Bus Safety Tips
It’s springtime in Western Pennsylvania and the weather is improving by the day. Summertime will soon be here. However, as we head down the stretch of the 2016-2017 school year, it is important to remember that even though the road conditions are improving and the sun is shining, it remains imperative to follow our safety guidelines and procedures to best ensure a happy and safe end to the school year.
With that in mind, we encourage our students and their parents to take a moment to review the following transportation safety tips:
1. Please be sure that your child is visible and at his or her assigned bus stop at least 10 minutes early. Schedules can vary depending on student ridership, road conditions, traffic, construction delays and a host of other factors.
2. When waiting for the bus, always line up at least 10 feet away from the curb or the roadway to avoid traffic.
3. Never run after the school bus if it has already left its stop. It is never a good idea to be rushing towards a moving vehicle.
4. Never walk alongside a moving school bus.
5. Never push another student when getting on or off the school bus.
6. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the stopped school bus so that the driver can better see you.
7. Before crossing a road to board the bus, wait until the school bus driver has activated the red flashing lights and engaged the crossing arm. Also, make sure that all traffic has come to a complete stop in both directions.
8. Once on the school bus, remain in your seat facing forward, especially when the vehicle is in motion. Also, never put your head, arms or hands outside the window.
9. Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver.
10. If your school bus crosses railroad tracks, remain calm and quiet so that your driver can listen for a train. Always obey your school bus driver’s instructions, so that he or she can make the best safety decisions for all concerned.
11. Never play with the emergency exits.
12. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, please listen to the driver and follow his or her instructions to the letter.
13. When exiting the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure to ensure that they don’t get caught on the handrail or the door.
14. If you leave something on the bus or drop something just outside of the bus, never go back for it. The driver may not see you and may have begun moving the vehicle.
15. Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into a stranger’s car.
Following these simple steps will help keep your son or daughter safe to close out the school year. If you have any questions, please visit our website: www.deerlakes.org/TransportationDepartment.