School is back in session, which means school buses are once again a familiar sight on roads and in neighborhoods. School buses are among the safest
ways for children to travel to and from school, but everyone has a role to play in keeping students safe — especially when children are getting on and off the bus.
Whether you’re a parent, student or driver, here are some important school bus laws and safety tips to keep in mind this school year.
Never Pass a Stopped School Bus
One of the greatest dangers students face around school buses comes from other vehicles on the road. Drivers should always be alert when approaching a school bus and prepared to stop.
In every state, it is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. Children may be crossing the street or walking near the bus, and they can be difficult for drivers to see.
Slow down when you see a school bus ahead and give yourself plenty of room to stop. Drivers should also be especially cautious during morning and afternoon hours when buses are most active.
Teach Children Bus Stop Safety
Children should know where their bus stop is and how to wait safely. Encourage your child to arrive at the bus stop early so they do not have to run or rush to catch the bus.
While waiting, children should stand at least five large steps away from the curb and avoid running, pushing or playing near the road.
Children should also understand the importance of staying where the bus driver can see them. If they drop a backpack, phone or another item near or underneath the bus, they should never try to retrieve it themselves. Instead, they should tell the bus driver and wait for instructions.
Be Careful When Getting On and Off the Bus
Students should wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver signals that it is safe before approaching.
When crossing in front of a school bus, children should leave plenty of space between themselves and the bus so the driver can clearly see them. They should look left, right and left again before crossing the street and continue watching for approaching vehicles.
Children should never walk behind a school bus.
Stay Seated While the Bus Is Moving
Once on the bus, children should find a seat and remain seated while the bus is moving. They should face forward, keep the aisle clear and follow instructions from the bus driver.
While many people may wonder why some school buses do not have seat belts, large school buses are designed with a safety feature known as “compartmentalization.” This design uses strong, closely spaced, energy-absorbing seats to help protect passengers during a crash.
Drivers Should Expect the Unexpected
School zones, bus stops and residential neighborhoods can be unpredictable. A child may unexpectedly enter the roadway or cross somewhere a driver does not anticipate.
Put away your phone and other distractions, obey posted speed limits and pay close attention whenever children or school buses are nearby. Taking a few extra seconds to slow down and stay alert can help prevent a serious accident.
Injured in a School Bus Accident? Hupy and Abraham Is Here to Help
Even with safety precautions in place, accidents involving school buses can happen. If you or your child has been injured in an accident involving a school bus or another negligent driver, you may have questions about your legal options.
For more than 50 years, Hupy and Abraham has helped injured clients and their families seek the compensation they deserve. Contact Hupy and Abraham today for a free consultation by calling 800-800-5678 or visiting Hupy.com.
