JOY RIDE: Riding the Bus Without Worries

According to the National Coalition for School Bus Safety (NCSBS), there were more than 20 student deaths and 9,000 injuries due to school buses last year. Most of these tragedies were not caused by collisions or crashes, but just by entering and exiting the bus. It is important that students who ride school buses remember these safety guidelines provided by NCSBS:

• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's okay to approach.
• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!