Letting your children ride the bus is actually safer than driving them to school, according to SaferCar.gov. However, 135 people die every year on average in school transportation-related accidents. More than 21 percent of these fatalities are pedestrians, such as children at the bus stop.
No tragedy can match the devastation of unexpectedly losing a child. Fortunately, you can minimize your children’s risk by teaching them how to behave at the bus stop. For example:
- Teach your child basic safety etiquette at the bus stop;
- Show your child how to get on and off the bus safely;
- And instruct your child to be cautious around the bus.
Let’s take a closer look at three strategies to help your kids avoid accidents at the school bus stop:
Teach Your Child Basic Safety Etiquette at the Bus Stop
Make sure your child does not rush to the bus stop at the last minute; rather, he or she should arrive at least five minutes early. This will give your child enough time to walk safely instead of dashing across traffic to reach the bus.
SaferCar.gov also recommends that you tell your child to stand three large steps, or 6 feet, away from the curb when waiting for the bus.
Show Your Child How to Get on and off the Bus Safely
The National Safety Council reminds parents to teach their children how to get on and off the bus safely. Kids should line up in an orderly fashion away from the road as the bus approaches, and wait for it to come to a complete stop.
Your child should only approach the bus once the driver has opened the doors. Teach him or her to walk up the stairs carefully and to use the handrail.
Instruct Your Child to Be Cautious around the Bus
Your child should never walk behind the bus or cross in front of it. If the bus stop is on the opposite side of the street, tell your child to walk at least five large steps, or 10 feet, in front of the school bus before crossing. He or she should look directly at the driver and make eye contact before crossing.
If your child drops a book or other personal item near the bus, he or she should inform the driver before picking it up.
If the worst happens and your child sustains an injury in a bus accident, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A personal-injury attorney in Lake Charles will evaluate your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and non-economic damages. Our legal team will gather evidence, interview witnesses and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.