Keep Kids Safe: School Bus Safety Awareness
As students settle into their new school year, it’s a crucial time to remind all drivers to exercise extreme caution around school buses. National School Bus Safety Week is set for October 21-25, 2024, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and stay vigilant in their communities. Although school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation, tragedies can occur near or around them. These often stem from motorists who neglect to obey stop signs or adhere to local traffic laws.
The Importance of National School Bus Safety
Nationwide, it’s illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped, a violation that poses a significant risk to both bus riders and their caretakers. Drivers must come to a complete stop when a bus’s stop-arm is extended and its red lights are flashing. From 2013 to 2022, there were 169 fatalities among pedestrians involved in school-bus-related crashes—1.5 times more than occupants of school buses. Tragically, 111 school-age children (18 and younger) lost their lives in such incidents, whether as passengers in vehicles, on foot, or riding bicycles. Of those fatalities, 25 were children who were simply walking.
From 2000 to 2022, illegal passing of a stopped school bus resulted in 55 fatalities, with nearly half being pedestrians aged 18 or younger. When a school bus activates its red lights and extends its stop-arm, it is essential for drivers to comply with the law. Yellow flashing lights signal that the bus is preparing to load or unload children, prompting motorists to slow down and prepare to stop. Movement is only permissible once the red lights cease flashing, the stop-arm is retracted, and the bus resumes travel. School bus riders and their caretakers depend on drivers to follow these rules for their safety.
Understanding the “Danger Zone”
The area surrounding a school bus, referred to as the “Danger Zone,” is where children are at the highest risk. This zone includes:
- 10 feet in front of the bus: The driver may not be able to see a child in this space due to the bus’s height.
- 10 feet on either side of the bus: Children may be in the driver’s blind spots.
- Behind the school bus.
To learn more about school bus stop safety, visit NHTSA’s School Bus Safety page.
A Commitment to Safety
Safety on the road begins with a commitment to responsible driving practices. Here are some quick and effective ways to ensure you and others stay safe:
- Two seconds to fasten your seat belt.
- Ten minutes for a thorough pre-trip inspection.
- Ten seconds to adjust your mirrors.
- Two seconds to turn off your phone before driving.
- Eight hours for proper rest.
- Thirty seconds to clean your vehicle.
- A fraction of a second to signal a turn.
- Two minutes to walk around your vehicle while fueling.
Being proactive and adopting these best practices can protect yourself and others.
Best Practices for Parents and Children
Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children’s safety around school buses. Here are some essential tips:
Before the Bus Arrives:
- Ensure your child arrives at the bus stop at least five minutes early. Familiarize them with the stop and designate a waiting area at least ten feet away from the curb. Remind them that the bus stop is not a place for running or playing.
Getting On and Off Safely:
- Instruct your child to wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door has opened, and the driver has signaled that it’s okay to board or exit. Encourage them to use the handrails to prevent falls.
Caution Around the Bus:
- Emphasize that children should never walk behind a school bus. If crossing the street in front of the bus, they should walk at least ten feet in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver to ensure they are visible. If a child drops something near the bus, they should tell the driver instead of attempting to pick it up themselves.
Prioritizing the safety of our children around school buses is more important than ever. By understanding and respecting the laws regarding school bus stop safety, we can create a safer environment for our young passengers and their caretakers. Whether you’re a driver, parent, or student, each of us plays a vital role in promoting awareness and following safety protocols.
Let’s work together to ensure that every child can travel safely to and from school, helping to prevent accidents and protect our communities. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility—let’s make it a priority!