They say that riding the school bus is the safest way for kids to get to school and back, but it can be a scary step for parents who worry about all the things that can happen along the way. School bus collisions are rare and when they occur, they usually cause more injuries to drivers and passengers of other vehicles than to the children on the bus. The majority of children killed in school bus accidents, about 80%, are hit while boarding or exiting the bus.
Teach Your Children School Bus Safety
Although school bus drivers and the drivers of other vehicles typically bear the legal responsibility for your child’s safety, the best thing you can do for your child is teach her to look out for herself, and not to rely on others to do the right thing. School bus safety tips to teach your children include:
- Stand back from the curb and street when the bus arrives.
- Wait for the stop sign to be extended and the door to be fully open before approaching the bus.
- If it is necessary to cross the street, wait for the bus to display its red flashing lights and extend the stop sign before you cross, do not forget to look for cars, and cross in front of the bus not behind it.
- When on the bus, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting out of your seat to exit.
- Wait to exit the bus until it has come to a complete stop and fully extended the stop sign.
- Before stepping off the bus, look for cars ad bicycles attempting to pass the bus on the right.
- If you drop something, do not bend down to pick it up without making sure the driver knows what you are doing.
- If you leave something on the bus, do not go back for it.
- When crossing the street after exiting the bus, walk out five large steps ahead of the bus so the driver can see you. Make eye contact with the bus driver to make sure he sees you. Look for cars illegally passing the bus before walking out past the bus.
School Bus Injuries
Children are rarely injured in school bus collisions. More often they are hit by the bus or another vehicle when boarding or exiting. Children can also be injured if they slip and fall while on the bus or while boarding and exiting. If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, you may be able to recover significant monetary compensation which can give you access to the best medical care for your child and more. In order to recover full and fair compensation, you’ll need the help of and experienced and highly credentialed accident attorney.
