For 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), since 1997, 152 school-age pedestrians (younger than 19) have died in school transportation-related crashes. One-half (50%) of all school-age pedestrians killed in school transportation-related crashes were between the ages of 5 and 7. More school-age pedestrians have been killed between the hours of 3 and 4 p.m. than any other time of day.The NHTSA offers school bus safety tips for both drivers and children. You can use these safety tips to raise the awareness of the potential hazards with your children, as well as become a safe driver yourself.Tips for DriversLearn and obey the school bus laws in your state.Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:--Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.--Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely. Slow down.Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops. Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street with out looking for traffic.When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.Tips for ChildrenArrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus. Use the handrails to avoid falls.When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors. Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
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