Features
Back-to-school time calls for refresher course on bus safety
Robert Thomas, Information Specialist, Extension & Ag Information, University of Missouri
Some 22 million children nationwide will soon be saying goodbye to summer vacations and heading back to school -- a good time for parents to give a refresher course on school bus safety, a University of Missouri specialist said.
Last year 26 students were killed and another 9,000
injured in incidents involving school buses, according
to the National Safety Council, said MU safety
specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
“What many parents do not realize is that more often
than not these deaths and injuries did not occur in a
crash, but as pupils were entering and exiting the
buses,” she said. “A few common-sense tips can go a long
way toward a safe return to the school year.”
Instruct children to stay away from traffic and avoid
all roughhousing while waiting for the school bus,
Funkenbusch said. When the bus approaches, students
should line up at least six feet away from the curb.
“Children should wait until the bus has stopped and the
door opens before stepping out onto the roadway.”
Funkenbusch said that once on the bus, children should
find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noises
can distract the driver. Never put head, arms or hands
out of a window. Keep aisles clear of backpacks or other
tripping hazards.
When the school bus reaches their stop, children should
wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before
getting up from their seats, Funkenbusch said.
Children should take special care when getting off the
bus. “They should walk along the side of the road or on
the sidewalk to a point at least 10 feet in front of the
bus if they must cross the street,” she said. “Tell your
kids to be sure that the bus driver can see them. Wait
for the driver’s signal that it’s okay to cross.”
Funkenbusch said children should never walk behind the
bus. “If they drop something near the bus, make sure
that they tell the bus driver. They should never try to
pick it up because the driver may not be able to see
them.”
These basic safety tips are particularly important for
younger children caught up in the excitement of a new
routine and starting a school year, she added.
Source: Karen Funkenbusch, Safety Specialist, University of Missouri funkenbushK@missouri.edu
Last Updated 10/05/2007
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