The week of October 17 – 21 is National School Bus Safety Week. Everybody can agree that safely transporting children in our community is one of the top concerns on our roadways. More than 25 million children nationally ride a yellow school bus every day. The National Association for Pupil Transportation promotes National School Bus Safety Week to serve as a reminder for students, parents, teachers and the community to keep school bus safety in the forefront.
Safety Tips for School Bus Riders
While the school bus is the safest way to travel to school, children still need to be careful as they get on and off the bus. Obstructed views and distracted drivers put children at risk. It’s important that parents teach them ways they can stay safe in and around the school bus. Have them stay three giant steps away from the road until the school bus stops and the door opens. Families are encouraged to talk to children about safety on and around school buses with safety tips provided by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and the American School Bus Council.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Motorists should never be within a 10-foot radius of a school bus for the children’s safety. Motorists risk children’s lives when they fail to stop for the school bus as it loads and unloads its passengers. Yet, it’s estimated that more than 10 million drivers illegally pass school buses every year, according to the American School Bus Council. Remember, it’s illegal to pass a school bus within the roadway as it drops off or picks up passengers—regardless of the direction of approach. Remember that there is no “safe” way to illegally pass the school bus, so be cautious when sharing the road with it. Finally, let others know that putting kids’ lives at risk is not OK. Report aggressive drivers and spread the word by sharing material found at schoolbusfacts.com.
