As the new school year is about to begin, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) and the New York State Education Department ( NYSED) recommend that motorists and children follow these safety tips:
Safety starts at the bus stop: Your child should arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps ( six feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
Get on and off safely: When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay before approaching the bus door. Again, your child should use the handrails to avoid falling.
Use caution around buses: Your child should never walk or cross the street behind a school bus. Suppose your child must cross the road to get to the bus. Tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street, at least five giant steps ( 10 feet), in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to ensure the driver can see them. If your child drops something near the school bus, like a ball or book, the safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up the item because the driver might not be able to see them.
Practice safe driving in school zones: Always stop for school buses loading or unloading children. When driving in a school zone, never pass other vehicles, obey the posted school zone speed, obey the ” flashing signal light system” that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions, and follow any signals crossing guards give.