Did you know that school bus safety is EVERY bus rider’s responsibility?
You can help the bus driver get every-one to and from school safely, simply by following these bus safety rules.
WAITING AT THE STOP AND GETTING ON THE BUS
• Stand away from the road on the sidewalk, grassy area or nearby driveway until the bus arrives.
• Stay off snow banks to avoid sliding underneath the bus.
• Board the bus in a single file, with-out pushing, and hold the handrail.
• Be respectful of private property located near the bus stop. Do not run or play on the property.
• If the stop is located at a driveway or laneway, stand at the end of the laneway to wait. Do not approach parked cars or run on the laneway. Move out of the way if a home-owner is trying to leave their property.
• Do not sit on the curb. Drivers cannot see you.
• When the bus arrives, stand back from the curb and line up.
• Board the bus in a single file, and hold the handrail.
• If you must cross the road to get on the bus, wait until the bus has stopped; look both ways to make sure all the cars have stopped, too; look at the driver and wait for the signal to cross; stay well in front of the bus so the driver can see you… WALK, don’t run!
BUS RIDER RAP
I sit on the seat With my feet in the gap
My back is on the back And my backpack’s on my lap
• There is no eating or drinking allowed on the bus.
• Use a quiet indoor voice—Loud screaming and yelling are distracting for the driver.
GETTING OFF THE BUS
• Stay in your seat until the bus has stopped.
• Walk to the front of the bus and hold the handrail to get down the stairs.
• Only get off at your own stop. If you are not sure where your stop is, ask the driver.
• Once you get off the bus, walk straight to the shoulder of the road or sidewalk. Remember the Danger Zone.
• If you need to cross the road after you get off, take 10 big steps along the curb to the front of the bus; look both ways to make sure all the cars have stopped; look at the driver and wait for the signal to cross; stay well in front of the bus so the driver can see you… WALK, don’t run!
SCHOOL BUS DANGER ZONE
• Always walk in front of the bus if you need to cross the road—The driver can’t see you behind the bus.
• Always wait for the driver to signal you to cross, and look for other cars and bikes before crossing.
• Never stop to pick something up near the bus, even if you dropped it—Ask the driver or teacher to help you.
• Stay away from the DANGER ZONE until it’s time to get on or off the bus.
• Do not walk between parked buses or play around them.
YOUR BUS DRIVER
Your bus driver has a very important job. How can you make the driver feel special?
• Say “good morning” and “thank you”. Everyone likes to feel appreciated.
• Be kind and respectful to the driver, and to others on the bus.
• Follow the safety rules.
• When the driver says, “Stop, look and listen!”, you need to be quiet and follow their instructions.
• The bus driver is there for you. Let them know if you feel sick, you are hurt, or you need help with something.
MORE SAFETY RULES AND TIPS
• If you feel hot, ask the driver to open the window, and keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.
• Don’t throw stuff inside the bus, or out the window—You could hurt someone.