Did you know that school buses are one of the safest ways for kids to travel? Every day, around 18,000 school buses drive a total of two million kilometers to carry more than 830,000 students to and from school. This means that every school year, our amazing school bus drivers provide 300 million safe rides!

However, even though school buses are incredibly safe, accidents can still happen. Most of these accidents occur when children are getting on or off the bus or when they're crossing the street. These accidents often happen because children and drivers aren't paying attention or don't know the school bus safety rules.

It's really important for everyone to understand the safety rules to keep kids safe. So, without any further ado, let's dive into the essential guide of school bus safety tips that every student, parent, and driver should know. By understanding and following these guidelines, we can all work together to keep our children safe and ensure that school buses remain one of the safest ways for kids to travel. Hop on below to learn how you can help make a difference!

Rules for Getting on the Bus Safely

Getting on the bus safely is very important. Follow these tips to make sure you stay safe:

Get There Early

Arrive at the bus stop no less than five minutes before to the bus's planned arrival time. This guarantees you won't miss the bus and prevents hurried or risky activity.

Remain Alert and Safe

Never rush to get on or off the bus. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that rushing to catch the bus, particularly when carrying a backpack or other objects, increases the risk of falls and other mishaps.

Wait in a Secure Location

Step back from the side of the road carefully and stand at your designated stop. This will reduce your chance of getting too close to oncoming traffic or the bus itself.

Stay Out of the Danger Zone

Never stand in the area of hazard that encircles the bus. You can get as near to the danger zone as possible without touching the bus. Remain in your seat until the bus has completely stopped and the doors have opened.

Rules for Riding the Bus Safely

Here are important rules to follow while riding the bus:

Sit Properly and Secure Your Belongings

Take your seat promptly and sit facing forward at all times. Place bags and parcels under your seat or on your lap to keep the aisle clear.

Keep Body Parts Inside the Bus

Always keep your head, hands, and arms inside the bus. Throwing objects inside or outside of the bus is not permitted.

Maintain a Quiet Environment

Talk quietly to allow the driver to concentrate on driving safely. Fighting, shouting, or using obscene language is not allowed. Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.

Follow Safety and Cleanliness Protocols

Participate in all bus evacuation procedures. Dangerous, disturbing, or annoying objects are not permitted on the bus. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not allowed to protect those with allergies to, prevent choking, and maintain cleanliness. Avoid using strong scents like perfume.

According to the Mayo Clinic, parents must ensure their children adhere to these safety rules while riding the bus. 

Rules for Leaving the Bus Safely

When it's time to leave the bus, follow these important rules to stay safe:

Wait and Exit Carefully

Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. Hold the handrail as you exit and take two large steps away from the bus.

Crossing the Street

If you need to cross, walk at least ten giant steps (three meters) ahead of the bus and cross only when the driver signals it's safe. Look both ways for traffic and cross in a single file.

Maintain Order and Report Issues

Exit in an orderly manner, with those at the front leaving first. Do not push. If you drop something near the bus, tell an adult instead of picking it up yourself.

Why Are School Buses Considered One of the Safest Modes of Transportation?

School buses are widely recognized as one of the safest ways to transport children, and this is due to several key safety features:

Size and Visibility

The sheer size of school buses provides a significant safety advantage. In the event of a collision with smaller vehicles, the bus's size and weight can mitigate the impact force, offering protection to its passengers. Moreover, their bright yellow color makes them highly visible, even in adverse weather conditions, reducing the risk of accidents caused by visibility issues.

Compartmentalization Technology

One of the most critical safety features of school buses is their seating design, which surrounds passengers with high-backed, energy-absorbing seats based on compartmentalization principles. This innovative design acts like a protective cocoon, minimizing the risk of injury by distributing and absorbing impact forces in the event of a crash.

Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have found that this compartmentalization design is a key factor in the safety of school buses, helping to protect passengers by effectively distributing and absorbing impact forces.

Seat Belts

While school buses are inherently safe due to their design features, adding seat belts can significantly enhance passenger safety. Shoulder-lap belts are crucial in preventing injuries during accidents involving side impacts or rollovers by restraining passengers and reducing injury severity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends equipping all newly manufactured school buses with lap/shoulder restraint systems to align safety standards with smaller passenger vehicles. AAP emphasizes that seat belts can improve student behavior and reduce driver distraction and urges pediatricians to advocate for school transportation safety at all levels.

The Bottom Line!

As we've explored, school buses are incredibly safe, but knowing and following the safety rules can make them even safer. Whether you're a student, parent, or driver, understanding these guidelines is essential to keep our kids protected on their daily rides.

We hope this detailed guide has provided you with the knowledge you need to ensure children's safety. Stay tuned for more helpful articles like this one. And remember, our team at Healthy Kids Care at Sunrise is always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about school bus safety. Feel free to leave a comment if you need more information!

In Health,

Dr. Atousa