Tips to Prevent School Bus Accidents | Attorney Daniel Brazil

Keeping Your Kids Safe: Preventing School Bus Accidents

Posted September 1, 2015

It’s back to school time! Many parents are finding themselves facing the decision as to whether to have their children ride the bus to school, to transport their kids themselves or to let their older children drive on their own.

The fact is that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children to and from school. Do not let the worry about bus accidents deter you. But you should ensure that you teach (or remind) your children about proper bus safety rules.

How to Approach or Move Away From a Bus

Here are a handful of great tips to pass on to your children:

Do not cross the street to get to the bus until the arm is out, the stop sign lights are blinking red and all other traffic has come to a full stop.
Make sure to cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
To ensure the bus driver knows you are crossing, make eye contact with the driver before walking.
Dropped items should be left alone! Never pick an item up—instead, tell the bus driver, who can help you retrieve it.
Never run or play around a bus or a bus stop.

Rules for Entering and Exiting School Buses Safely

Getting on and off the bus can be tricky, and raises possible fall injury concerns. Have your child practice these safety tips a few times—practice makes permanent!

Always stand at least three feet away from the curb.
Wait to enter (or exit) the bus until it has come to a full stop and the doors are open.
Use the handrail when going up and down the stairs.

Don’t Forget About On-the-Bus Safety

There have been several instances of children sustaining severe injuries while on the bus. Many of these injuries come from not sitting properly in their seats or remaining seated while the bus is in motion. Do not let your child risk the chance for potentially fatal head trauma. Tell him or her to stay in the seat at all times and to NEVER lean his or her head out the window.