The Kids Safety Spot

 

I have created this area on this site for all you kids out there, in order to help you understand the right way to ride the big yellow bus!

 

 

THE DANGER ZONE

 

As a school bus instructor, I can't say it loudly enough...Please know this zone. It is very important that you do.

 

 

To make it simple, anywhere in the red is DANGER! The green area is your safety area. If you are anywhere in the red zone, your driver will have a hard time to see you. The green area, you will be at least 10 feet out from the bus, making it easy for your driver to see you. If the bus shuld begin moving while you are in the red zone, you could be dragged under the bus!

 

Also, some other things for you to remember...

 

Boarding the Bus

 

Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Running to catch the bus is dangerous and can lead to injuries.

When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the road to a point at least five giant steps ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you and you can see the bus driver when crossing the street. Stop at the edge of the bus and look left-right-left before crossing.

Use the handrails to avoid falls. When getting off the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags and backpacks with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or door.

Never walk behind the bus.

 

 

Riding The School Bus The RIGHT Way

 

Now lets look at the right way to ride the school bus. As I am sure you know, running in the aisleway, tossing footballs, hitting someone else, or tossing things out the windows (to name just a few) are big No No's.

 

Children should talk quietly, be courteous to the driver and follow the driver's instructions.

Children should stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.

 

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.

Never play with the emergency exits. 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.

 

 

Exiting The 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 she 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.

Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus. 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 if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

 

 

Emergency Evacuation the Safe Way

 

 

Listen to the driver's instructions for the correct exit.

Be calm, quiet and don't panic.

Leave your belongings behind.

Exit seat by seat alternating rows.

Leave the bus quickly without pushing, or shouting.

Walk to a safe place and stay together.

 

Below are drawings of evacuations on both big and little buses. It is important that you listen to the instructions your driver is telling you. Some schools do NOT allow you to practice from the back door, so please, listen to your driver.

 

 

 

Railway Crossing Evacuation

 

Listen to the driver's instructions for the correct exit.

Go away from the tracks as far as possible in a direction (at a 45 degree angle) toward the train to avoid being hit by debris from the crash.

Go to a safe place and stay together.

 

 

 

I hope that you will remember some of the pointers here on this page. Following these simple rules will make you ride on the school bus a safe one!