Tips for bus safety (for kids)

September 11th, 2014  |  Auto Insurance

As parents, it is important that we teach our children about road safety. With hundreds of thousands of children travelling to school in school buses each day, it is even more important to teach them about road safety that is school bus specific. Kids need to know how to be safe when riding the bus, when boarding the school bus, and how to stay safe when walking to the school bus stop and waiting for the bus.

School buses are widely viewed as a very safe mode of transportation and according the Ministry of Transportation “Although injuries to school bus passengers are rare, they most often happen outside the bus as students are boarding and leaving the bus or crossing the street.”  

In Ontario, over 800,000 students are transported daily in school buses

– Ministry of Transportation

Even though the school bus is safe, accidents do happen. Here are some important safety tips for kids that ride the school bus:

Bus Stop Safety Tips

1. Get to the bus stop on time – try to be 5 minutes early
2. Wait for the bus at a safe distance from the road – As a general rule, stay about 10 steps away from the road (if possible)
3. Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings – avoid horseplay
4. When the bus arrives, wait for it to come to a complete stop before approaching and boarding the bus

On the Bus Safety Tips

1. Go directly to your seat when you get on the bus and sit facing forward at all times
2. Avoiding doing anything that will distract the bus driver
3. Follow all of the school bus rules as outlined by the bus driver and your school
4. Keep the aisles clear at all times
5. Always listen to the instructions of your bus driver, especially in emergency situations

Exiting the School Bus

1. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing up to get off the bus
2. Watch your step and be careful when exiting 
3. Always step away from the bus and make sure you are free and clear from the door and wheels
4. Be visible when exiting the bus. Do not stand close to the bus or in areas where the bus driver and other drivers may not be able to see you
5. If you leave something on the bus – Make sure you have the drivers attention before approach the bus – They may not see you
6. If you are crossing in front of the bus, make sure the red lights are flashing and all traffic has come to a complete stop before proceeding
7. Never cross the street from behind the bus

If you drive your kids to school, please check out the safety tips in School Zone Safety Tips for Dropping off Your Kids at School