STUDENT FATALITIES

 

The #1 priority of School Bus Safety is to avoid student fatalities.

 




 

 

The "average fatality" is a kindergarten through second grade child. They are most often killed on the way home by their own school bus after exiting the bus. Passing motorists are the next highest cause of fatalities.  Statistics show that the fatalities occur between January and May and the weather is clear. Girls and boys are equally susceptible.

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Skills

WAITING

Safety Reasons

* Be on time
* Wait quietly away from the road
* Don't move towards the bus until 
the driver opens the door
* Too early - you are waiting alone too long. Too late - you could be hurt rushing to bus.
* Cars don't always stay on the road. Running games might cause you to go onto the road.
* The driver will open the door when it is safe. The bus could skid while stopping on ice or gravel along the roadside.

 

LOADING

* Use Handrail
* Don't bring large or sharp objects
* Sit down immediately

 

* A fall on the stairs can be painful.
* Remember that in an accident, you will be thrown against whatever you are carrying.
* A quick start could knock you down if you are not seated.

 

RIDING

* Don't distract the driver
* Keep body inside bus
* Don't bother the other passengers
* Keep floor clear
* The driver's attention must be on driving safely.
* Trees, trucks, utility poles have caused bad injuries to children hanging out windows.
* Every student deserves a safe ride to school.
* If there is an emergency, a clean bus means no tripping and a safe evacuation.

 

UNLOADING

* Stay seated until bus stops
* Don't carry awkward loads; use a knapsack or tote bag
* Move away from the bus immediately
* Go directly home
* A quick stop or an accident could knock you to the floor.
* Many students are killed picking up dropped objects near the bus where the driver can't see them.
* If you can touch the bus, you are too close. The bus can be very dangerous.
* Strangers might bother students hanging around the bus stop. Going to the wrong house could cause people to worry about where you are.

 

CROSSING

* Move ahead of the bus 10 steps until you can see the driver's face
* Wait for the driver's signal
* Cross to the outside edge of the bus and make sure all traffic is stopped
* If  clear, cross quickly
* If not clear, return to curb
* The driver must always be able to see you.
* The driver will signal you when it is safe to cross the road.
* YOU must make sure it is safe to cross!
* If the road is not safe, move back to the curb. Don't just stand waiting in the road.


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