Back-to-School Safety Tips and School Bus Laws Every Driver Should Know
As families prepare for the new school year, back-to-school safety should be a top priority. With more children walking, biking, and riding school buses, understanding school bus safety rules, school zone safety, and school bus stop laws can help prevent accidents and keep students safe.
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Students
Stay Safe at the Bus Stop
Students should arrive at their school bus stop at least five minutes early and wait at least 10 feet from the curb. Avoid horseplay, running, or distractions from cell phones and electronic devices while waiting for the bus.
Boarding and Exiting the School Bus Safely
- Wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
- Use handrails when entering and exiting the bus.
- Follow the bus driver’s instructions at all times.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- Cross the street only when signaled by the bus driver.
Walking and Biking to School
- Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Stay alert and avoid texting or wearing headphones while crossing roadways.
- Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility during morning and afternoon commutes.
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents
Parents play an important role in child pedestrian safety and student transportation safety. Review safety rules with your children regularly, establish safe walking routes, and remind them to stay alert around traffic, school buses, and busy intersections.
School Bus Laws: What Drivers Need to Know
As school buses return to the roads, motorists must remain alert and obey all school bus traffic laws in their state.
Stop for School Buses
In every state, it is illegal to pass a school bus when its stop arm is extended and red warning lights are flashing. Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the bus is safely moving again and the stop signals are deactivated.
Understanding School Bus Warning Lights
Flashing Yellow Lights
- The school bus is preparing to stop.
- Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.
Flashing Red Lights and Extended Stop Arm
- Children are loading or unloading.
- Drivers must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until it is safe to proceed.
Know Your State’s School Bus Laws
School bus laws vary by state, particularly regarding divided highways and multi-lane roads. Drivers should familiarize themselves with their state’s regulations but should always exercise caution whenever a school bus is stopped and children are present.
Why School Bus Safety Matters
School buses remain one of the safest forms of transportation for students. However, children are most vulnerable when entering, exiting, or crossing near a bus. Drivers, parents, and students all play a role in creating safer roads and school zones.
Key Back-to-School Driver Safety Reminders
- Slow down in school zones.
- Watch for children crossing unexpectedly.
- Never pass a stopped school bus illegally.
- Avoid distracted driving near schools and bus stops.
- Be extra cautious during morning and afternoon school commute hours.
Conclusion
As the new school year begins, let’s work together to make safety a priority. By following back-to-school safety tips, understanding school bus laws, and staying alert around schools and bus stops, we can help protect students and create safer communities for everyone.