Shelia Lewis: Smith County Extension

School buses are the safest form of highway transportation. About two-thirds of school bus-related fatalities happen outside the bus. Students and motorists need to follow a few basic rules to keep the area around the bus safer for everyone.

RULES FOR STUDENTS

Be at the bus stop at least five minutes early.

When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps back from the edge of the road.

Wait for the bus to stop, the door to open and the driver to say that it is OK before stepping on the bus.

Make sure the driver can see you when crossing the street in front of the bus; walk at least five giant steps ahead of the bus.

Make sure clothing drawstrings and book bags with straps do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.

Never, ever walk behind the bus.

If walking beside the bus, walk three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

Students need to let the bus driver know if they drop something near or under the bus. The driver may not see the students and begin to drive away, possibly injuring the child.

SAFETY RULES FOR MOTORISTS

In neighborhoods with school zones, watch for children traveling to and from school.

Drive slowly. If the neighborhood does not have sidewalks, watch for children walking the street.

Watch for children playing and gathering near school bus stops.

Be alert. Children sometimes dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Learn the flashing light system that alerts motorists that the bus will be stopping.

Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.

Red flashing lights and extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again.

Not all students drive themselves to school or ride a school bus; some walk to school. Parents and care givers should consider reviewing safe walking tips with children before school starts.

Remember, when crossing a street a child should always:

Stop at the edge of parked cars, the curb, or other vehicles.

Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for moving cars.

Cross when clear, and keep looking left and right.

Walk, not run or dart, into the street.

Look for signs that a car is about the move (rear light, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning).

Walk alertly.


Shelia Lewis is a Smith County Extension agent in family and consumer sciences. She can be reached at sk-lewis@tamu.edu. This column on family and consumer education news appears in the Thursday Community section of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Shelia Lewis
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