Ways to Get to School Safely: Buses, Bikes and Walking

Helping your child get to school safely is an important part of every parent’s life. Whether kids walk, bike or take the bus, there are many reasons to keep transportation safety top of mind.

Obey the Rules of the Road

If a family lives close enough, walking is a great way for kids to get some exercise and get to school safely. That said, there are still some precautions to take when walking to school.

• Crosswalks should be used by children while crossing the street. Teach them to look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks available, they should walk facing the traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles.
• Encourage children to put away any potential distractions, like smartphones, and pay full attention to the road when crossing the street.
• Young children, especially those under 10, may not accurately judge speed and distance. It is best for an adult to always keep a close eye on them when they are walking on or near the road.

Get to School Safely by Bicycle

If a child is getting to school safely by bike, they should remember to follow the same traffic rules as drivers. This includes stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, and yielding to pedestrians. Parents and adults should remind children to ride with traffic, not against. Additionally, they should stay in designated bike lanes when they are available.

Next, always inspect the bike before every ride. Keeping a careful eye can help you to avoid potential malfunctions. A bike should be covered each night and kept out of the elements. Rain can rust and damage the sensitive brakes, tires, and chains.

Above all, bicyclists should never forget their helmets! In case of an accident, a concussion is just one of the many injuries an unlucky rider can suffer. A helmet helps to prevent this fate.

Understanding Basic School Bus Safety

School buses are a crucial part of many students’ daily routine. They provide a safe and reliable way to get to and from school. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation for children. Furthermore, it is reported that fatalities occur in less than one percent of all school transportation-related crashes. That said, it is very important to remember that vehicle accidents can still occur.

With this in mind, it’s essential to follow some basic school bus safety rules to ensure the safety of all students. Here are some guidelines for students to follow while riding the school bus:

Arriving at the Bus Stop:

• Always arrive at the bus stop on time, at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
• Avoid rushing as it can cause distractions and increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Walk safely to the bus stop and wait patiently.

Boarding the Bus:

• Wait for the driver’s signal before approaching the bus.
• Never walk behind the bus
• Board the bus in an orderly fashion, avoiding pushing or shoving.
• Take a seat immediately, face forward, and remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

Behave on the Bus:

• Stay quiet and respectful to avoid distracting the driver.
• Avoid throwing objects inside or outside of the bus, which can cause injuries to others. 

Getting Off the Bus:

• Gather belongings and stand up only when the bus comes to a complete stop.
• Exit the bus one by one in an orderly fashion, only when the driver signals to do so.
• Upon exiting, never cross in front of the bus, as the driver or other cars may not be able to see you.