A Healthier You - School Bus Safety

With the big yellow buses taking to the roads again in a few days I thought it was important to review some tips to keep everyone safe- you on your way to work and our kiddos, as they bus to and from school.

Tell your children:

• While waiting on the bus keep three giant steps back from the road.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before loading or unloading.
• Look both ways before stepping into the street.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• When crossing the street to or from the bus walk far enough in front of the bus that you can see the bus driver’s eyes.
• Stay seated and keep your voice down while the bus is in motion.

As a driver:

• Drive slower during the hours school buses are on the road. You’re more likely to unexpectedly come up on a bus stopped in a road or children playing in the street during the hours of 0600-0800 and 1400-1600 so it’s better to drive slower than you normally would to give yourself more reaction time.
• Never pass a school bus that is stopped. Not only is it dangerous but it is ILLEGAL.
• Be alert! Children often don’t see dangers so it could be your good decisions behind the wheel that saves a child’s life.

Above all be patient. School traffic can be frustrating when mixed with work traffic but those few seconds you lose by driving a bit slower may be the seconds you need to avoid an accident. Have a great and safe school year everyone!!

Thank you,

Wenona Mertens