Hi Kids,
School Bus Safety is something we all need
to know so we can get to school and back
home again safely.
Did you know that your Bus Driver had to
go to school to learn to drive a bus, just
like you have to go to school to learn math.
When your waiting for the bus, please keep
5 giant steps away from the curb or side of
the road.
Take your seat right away and keep the
aisles clear so other people can get on and
off the bus safely.
When your riding on the bus it's important
to keep the noise down so the Bus Driver
can concentrate on the road. It's ok to talk,
but don't yell or throw stuff around.
Please stay in your seat while the bus is
moving and wait until the bus comes to a
complete stop before you get up and move
to the front door.
When you exit the bus use the hand rails to
help you get up and down the steps.
Getting Ready For School
Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so they won't drop things along the way.
Have them wear bright, contrasting clothes so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
Make sure they leave home on time so they can easily walk to the bus stop and arrive before the bus is due. Running can
be dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop
Walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are
easier for drivers to see.
Practice good pedestrian behaviour with your children: walk on the sidewalk, if there is no sidewalk stay off the street.
If you must walk on the street, walk single file, facing traffic and stay as far from the edge of the road as possible.
Waiting at the Bus Stop
Don't let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It's dangerous near traffic.
Make sure your child stands at least 3 meters (10 feet) or five giant steps from the road while waiting for the bus. The child
will be out of the way of traffic. Practice with your younger children taking five giant steps to become familiar with the
distance.
Getting On and Off The Bus
Warn children if they drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the Bus Driver and follow the
driver's instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped item they may not be seen by the Bus Driver and could get
hurt if the Bus Driver Pulls away.
Remind Children to look to the RIGHT before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to sneak by buses on
the right.
Teach your children to secure loose draw strings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus.
Know your School and Bus Company procedures if you would like your child to get off at another stop, other than the stop
their assigned. Driver's are not allowed to let children off at another stop without the proper written permission.
If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait at the stop where the child will be dropped off and not across the
street. Children can be so excited at seeing you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.
Riding the Bus
Children should talk quietly, be courteous to the Bus Driver and follow the Bus Driver's instructions.
Children should stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.
Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so they won't drop things along the way.
Have them wear bright, contrasting clothes so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
Make sure they leave home on time so they can easily walk to the bus stop and arrive before the bus is due. Running can
be dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop
Walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are
easier for drivers to see.
Practice good pedestrian behaviour with your children: walk on the sidewalk, if there is no sidewalk stay off the street.
If you must walk on the street, walk single file, facing traffic and stay as far from the edge of the road as possible.
Waiting at the Bus Stop
Don't let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It's dangerous near traffic.
Make sure your child stands at least 3 meters (10 feet) or five giant steps from the road while waiting for the bus. The child
will be out of the way of traffic. Practice with your younger children taking five giant steps to become familiar with the
distance.
Getting On and Off The Bus
Warn children if they drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the Bus Driver and follow the
driver's instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped item they may not be seen by the Bus Driver and could get
hurt if the Bus Driver Pulls away.
Remind Children to look to the RIGHT before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to sneak by buses on
the right.
Teach your children to secure loose draw strings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus.
Know your School and Bus Company procedures if you would like your child to get off at another stop, other than the stop
their assigned. Driver's are not allowed to let children off at another stop without the proper written permission.
If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait at the stop where the child will be dropped off and not across the
street. Children can be so excited at seeing you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.
Riding the Bus
Children should talk quietly, be courteous to the Bus Driver and follow the Bus Driver's instructions.
Children should stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.
Don't leave the bus until the Bus Driver says it's ok and when you get out of the bus stay
in the safety zone.
If you drop something make sure you let the Bus Driver know so they don't drive away
while your in the path of the bus.
Make sure you look both ways when exiting the bus and crossing the street.
Never walk around the back of the bus. This is very dangerous because the Bus Driver
can't see you. Stay where the Bus driver can see you.
REMEMBER IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BUS DRIVER,
THE BUS DRIVER CAN'T SEE YOU.
in the safety zone.
If you drop something make sure you let the Bus Driver know so they don't drive away
while your in the path of the bus.
Make sure you look both ways when exiting the bus and crossing the street.
Never walk around the back of the bus. This is very dangerous because the Bus Driver
can't see you. Stay where the Bus driver can see you.
REMEMBER IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BUS DRIVER,
THE BUS DRIVER CAN'T SEE YOU.
I drew a picture below to show the safety zone and the danger zones. Ask mom or dad or your guardian to go over it
with you.
Never walk under the yellow safety arm and walk directly to the sidewalk, shoulder of the road or your lane way and
don't horseplay or stop until you get there.
Remember to keep a sharp eye out for cars. Even though the red school bus lights are flashing some people driving
other vehicles or bicycles may not be paying attention.
If your getting off the bus with other kids, keep an eye out for each other and especially those kids who are smaller than
you. It's called being a "Good Neighbour".
When you get off the bus don't forget to say "THANK YOU" to your bus driver.
Thank you from the Gananoque Police for being our partner in School Bus Safety.
with you.
Never walk under the yellow safety arm and walk directly to the sidewalk, shoulder of the road or your lane way and
don't horseplay or stop until you get there.
Remember to keep a sharp eye out for cars. Even though the red school bus lights are flashing some people driving
other vehicles or bicycles may not be paying attention.
If your getting off the bus with other kids, keep an eye out for each other and especially those kids who are smaller than
you. It's called being a "Good Neighbour".
When you get off the bus don't forget to say "THANK YOU" to your bus driver.
Thank you from the Gananoque Police for being our partner in School Bus Safety.
| SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS |
Photos: M. Reid - Gananoque Police
