Although school buses are the safest way for children to get to school, children can still be seriously hurt—especially when approaching or leaving the bus.

Walk your child to the bus stop on the first day of school. Point out where it’s safe to walk and stand. Teach him these rules about school bus safety:

• Allow plenty of time to get to the bus stop. Children who are late may be tempted to run into a busy street.

• Wait in a safe place away from the traffic. Sometimes, children play games while they wait for the bus. They should be sure these games never involve running near the street.

• Get in line and wait your turn when the bus arrives. Children who push and shove to get on the bus can get hurt.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• Follow the rules. Children should be taught to respect bus drivers as they do teachers and other school staff members.

• Don’t stick hands, heads or objects out bus windows.

• Don’t push and shove to get off of the bus.

• Walk three “giant steps” (six feet) away from the side of the bus.

• If your child drops something near the bus, tell the bus driver before picking it up. Drivers can’t always see children.

• Wait until the driver says it’s safe when getting off the bus. Before crossing in front of the bus, take at least five “giant steps” (about 10 feet) until your child can see the driver’s face. Then the bus driver will also be able to see your child.

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