For everyone on the road including students, parents, and other drivers the key to school bus safety is understanding the \"Danger Zone\" and following the correct procedures for stopping.\ Drivers need to be alert and follow all traffic rules when driving near school buses to ensure the safety of students.
For students
The most dangerous time for students is when they are getting on or off the bus.\
At the bus stop:
- Arrive early. Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Stay visible. Stand at least six feet (three giant steps) away from the curb.
- Avoid distractions. The bus stop is not a place for running or playing. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid being distracted by phones or music.
- Wait for the signal. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver signals that it is safe to approach.\
The NHTSA states that more school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hour before and after school than any other time of day.
To eliminate this statistic, drivers need to be vigilant and follow all laws when traveling around school buses and bus stops.
- Obey flashing lights and signs:\ All traffic must stop if a bus is flashing its yellow or red lights and the stop arm is extended. This is the driver signaling to other traffic that kids are about to be walking near the bus, so it\’s crucial for all traffic to obey the law to ensure the students\’ safety.
- Be alert:\ According to the NSC, \“the 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.\” All traffic should stop far enough away from a bus to allow a safety radius for the kids to enter and exit the bus. When driving near a school bus or bus stop, drivers should be vigilantly watching for children in case students run into the street unexpectedly.
