SAFETY ALERTS

Children's Clothing Gets Caught When Exiting School Buses

Across the U.S., children are being injured or killed when their clothing is caught in the bus handrail, door, or other equipment, and they are dragged by the bus.

Jacket or sweatshirt drawstrings, backpack straps, scarves, or other loose clothing are especially dangerous.

	Watch for children with long drawstrings, loose clothing, or other items that may become caught in handrails.
	Make sure your bus handrail is not attached to the bus at such an angle that it can easily catch a drawstring. Check with your supervisor to determine if your bus has been recalled. Defective handrails should be corrected immediately.
	To assure safety, at each stop, monitor the children as they exit your bus. If you are unable to account for a child outside the bus, secure the bus & check both around & underneath the bus.
	Never move the bus until you are positive all children are safely out of the Danger Zones.
	Count children as they exit the bus. If you lose count of a child outside the bus, shut the bus off, secure it, & check underneath.
	After each stop, carefully scan the entire area before moving. Be alert for any warnings (from bystanders, teachers, or motorists outside the bus or student inside the bus) as you pull away from the bus stop.