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How Can Parents Help Keep Their Children Safe on the School Bus?

August 23, 2021
School Bus

The end of summer is near, and families are beginning to shift their focus on the upcoming school year. With Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations easing, schools, businesses, and workplaces are reopening, which means that many students will return to classrooms. With more people on the roads, car accidents are more likely to happen. Although some schools may still allow virtual or hybrid classes, other schools may fully open for in-person learning. Getting children safely to and from school is a primary concern. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that commuting by school bus is 70 times safer for children compared to commuting in a car. School buses are safer than cars because they are heavier, larger, and more visible to other motorists. Also, padded seats provide extra protection as well.

Parents should teach their children a few basic rules to help keep them safe on their bus ride to and from school. Important school bus safety tips are listed below.

Arrive Early

Parents and students should arrive at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Arriving early will give everyone, including the driver, child, and parent, an adequate amount of time for the children to board the bus safely.

Safely Wait for the Bus

Parents should teach their children how to safely wait for the bus. Some tips include:

  • Both parents and children should maintain at least five steps away from the curb.
  • Wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop, and wait for the driver to signal when it is okay to board.
  • If a child must cross the street to board the bus, they should be at least 10 feet in front of the bus, and check both left and right sides to make sure traffic has stopped. Only proceed when the bus driver indicates that it is safe.

Be Cautious When Boarding and Exiting

When boarding or exiting, children should also use the available handrails, and make sure any belts, strings, or bag straps are not caught on anything. Children should always be seated and face forward when on the bus, especially when it is moving.

When coming off the bus, children should wait until it is at a complete stop, and check both left and ride sides of the road before crossing the street. Additionally, parents and children should ty to make themselves visible to the bus driver before boarding as well.

Delco Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Families and School-Age Children Who Were Injured by Negligent Drivers

Although school buses are some of the safest and most regulated vehicles on the road, they can still get into accidents. If you or your child becomes injured in an accident in a school zone, contact the West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C.today. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.