School Bus Safety Rules

Whether your child is in preschool or high school, following school bus safety rules is an important part of each school day.

Bus Safety Guidelines for Kids

Every day, millions of school age children ride a bus to and from school. Knowing the rules of safety helps to ensure that their trip to and from school is a safe and enjoyable part of every school day.

Waiting for the School Bus

• Walk to the bus stop using a sidewalk if there is one. If there is no sidewalk, stay on the left side of the street facing the traffic.
• While waiting for the school bus to arrive stay at the bus stop. Do not wander down the street, into a wooded area or onto private property.
• Do not speak to strangers while waiting for the bus.
• Do not go into the street while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Do not roughhouse, run or play with your friends while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, line up away from the street. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and has the door open before stepping into the road.

Rules for Boarding the School Bus

• Hold the handrail when getting into the school bus.
• Do not push or shove others when they are online or are boarding the bus.
• Once you are on the bus, quickly find a seat, sit down and stay seated.

Riding on the School Bus

• Stay in your seat.
• If the bus is equipped with a seat belt, make sure to fasten it securely.
• Never put your head, hands or arms out of the school bus window.
• Do not yell or make other loud noises that could distract the bus driver. Talk quietly while on the bus.
• Do not eat or drink anything while riding on the bus.
• Do not block the bus aisle with backpacks, books or musical instruments. If an emergency should arise it is important that the aisle is clear.
• Do not touch or play with the emergency exits.
• Do not throw things at others on the bus or out of the bus windows.
• When you reach the school, or your bus stop on the return trip home, have your things ready so you can leave without holding up others on the bus

Getting Off the School Bus

• Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop at the school or at your bus stop on the trip home.
• Walk to the front of the bus and use the handrail while stepping off of the bus.
• Do not get off the bus at a bus stop other then your designated stop.
• Once you get off of the school bus, go straight home. Do not talk to strangers on the way.
• If you leave something on the bus and have already walked away from the door, do not go back for it. The bus driver may not see you coming back and may start driving away.

Crossing the Street

• If you have to cross the street after exiting the bus, always cross in front of it. Make sure the bus driver is able to see you. Walk along the side of the road at least 10 feet in front of the bus until you can see the bus driver, before crossing the street. If you cannot see the bus driver, the driver is not able to see you.
• Wait for the bus driver to give you a signal that it is safe to cross the street. Even with the signal from the bus driver pay attention to the traffic in the road. Make sure to look in both directions before walking across the street.
• If you drop something in the street do not go back to get it. The bus driver will not be able to see you if you are close to the front of the bus
• Do not cross the street behind the school bus. The bus driver cannot see you
• Never go near the back wheels of a school bus.

Review the Rules With Your Children

Reinforcing school bus safety rules and explaining to your children the importance of the rules, is an important part of protecting your children from possible accidents and injuries. Review these guidelines with your children from time to time to make sure they remain fresh in their minds