Now that we are a little over a month into the school year and finally settling back into routine, it’s time for a reminder about something that I’m sure a lot of you can relate to: school bus safety. Spoiler alert, it starts at home.
After a nearly seven-year hiatus from the workforce, I recently relinquished my title of stay-at-home mom and swapped it for a new one: school bus driver. Every day, parents entrust me with their most precious cargo, and that is the most rewarding aspect of my job.
Getting your children to and from school safely is a school bus driver’s responsibility, but there are a few things that you can do as parents at home. Remember, they are kids and will act like kids on the bus, but it is still our job to ensure their safety.
Here are a few things that you can remind them of at home:
- Wait far enough off the curb so that you are visible to the driver. If the bus brakes were to fail, there shouldn’t be any children in harm’s way.
- Wait for the bus to STOP before approaching it. You’d be surprised at just how many kids run up to the bus and try to yank the doors open before it has even stopped or activated the red SOS lights. This could cause serious injury.
- Keep backpacks and items on or close to your body. Straps can easily snag and risk a fall.
- Stay seated and facing forward. Backs and bottoms should remain in contact with the seat at all times. Buses are bumpy by nature. Children standing and hanging over seats are at a very high risk of falling or being jerked around.
- Keep all body parts inside the bus. Yes, the windows are fun to open and close. Yes, you will get hurt from trying to grab the leaves off a branch when the bus is going 25 mph.
- Keep the aisle clear. In the event of an emergency, the driver must be able to access the aisle and emergency exits quickly.
- Never walk behind the bus. If you have to cross the street, stay in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
- Make eye contact with the driver when crossing the street. We will tell your child if it is safe to cross, especially on a busy street.
- Take 10 BIG STEPS away from the bus when exiting. We need to be able to see you!
- Inform your bus driver if you notice anything is wrong. We are here to make sure you are safe and comfortable in every aspect.
- BE KIND. Many children on the bus may be nervous or timid. We need to be respectful of all the children on the bus.
A ride on the school bus should be fun, but at the end of the day, it is our job to keep your kids safe. I am a bus driver, but I am also (and most importantly!) a mom. Your children are special and important to us. We take pride in our job and appreciate you trusting us with your children. Let’s keep them safe, together.
