The yellow school bus is a familiar sight transporting children to
and from school each day. But children may be injured or killed when
safety rules are not followed. Children and motorists should practice
safety tips and obey driving laws. Parents and children should know the
school district’s bus behavior policy. Most recommend that children
should:
- Wait at the bus stop, standing well back from the curb.
- Sit quietly in their seat and speak quietly to other children.
- Listen to and obey the bus driver.
- Look to the rear of the bus first before stepping off the bottom
step to avoid being struck by a passing car.
- Take five giant steps straight out of the bus door and out of the
danger zone.
- Have eye contact with the bus driver. Wait for the driver to
signal it is safe to cross in front of the bus.
- Never go back for anything left on the bus or bend down near or
under the bus.
- Avoid clothing with drawstrings, backpack straps, scarves and
other loose clothing that could get caught on the bus handrail or
door.
Motorist should obey laws for school bus warning lights and signs.
- If the bus warning lights flash yellow, slow and look for children
waiting.
- Stop when the red lights are on and the stop sign is out.
- Obey the posted speed limit in residential and school zones.
For more information about school bus safety, call the Genesee County
Health Department at (810) 341-7653.
