The school bus is one of the safest ways for kids to travel to school, but it’s important to be careful when getting on and off the bus. Obstructed views and distracted drivers put children at risk.
October 18-22, 2021 is School Bus Safety Week, so it’s a good time to review tips to help everyone stay safe at school and the bus stop.
Safety Tips for Bus Riders
Get to the bus stop early to avoid rushing, which can lead to distraction or falls while rushing to get to the bus. Stay several feet from the road until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens.
Never walk behind the school bus and stay several steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you if you need to cross in front of the bus. Make sure the driver sees you and check for passing vehicles before stepping into the roadway.
If you drop something, don’t stop to pick it up. Instead, let the driver know.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Failure to stop for the school bus as it loads and unloads passengers puts children’s lives at risk. However, it’s estimated that more than 10 million drivers pass school buses illegally every year. Passing vehicles cause an estimated two-thirds of school bus loading/unloading fatalities. It’s illegal to pass a school bus within the roadway as it drops off or picks up passengers.
As a driver, you should not be within a 10-foot radius of any side of the school bus. This is known as the “danger zone.” Stop at a safe distance away from the bus when the stop arm is out and the flashing red lights are on. When the flashing yellow lights go on, slow down and prepare to stop.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
