Half of the pedestrian fatalities in school bus-related crashes are children between 5 and 7 years old.

Young children are most likely to be struck because they:

• Hurry to get on and off the bus.
  
  
• Act before they think and have little experience with traffic.
  
  
• Assume motorists will see them and will wait for them to cross the street.
  
  
• Don't always stay within the bus driver's sight.
  
  

Students riding a school bus should always:

Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.

Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.

Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.

Walk in front of the bus; NEVER walk behind the bus.

Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead.

Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.

Stop at the edge of the bus and look left, right, left before crossing the road.

Tell the bus driver if you drop something beside the bus. Should you try to pick it up, the bus driver may not see you and drive away.


During the school bus ride:

Always sit fully in the seat and face forward.

DO NOT distract the driver.

Never stand on a moving bus.

Obey the driver.

Speak in a low voice.

NEVER stick anything out the window of the bus - arms, legs, head, bookbags, etc.

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