The Nassau County Police Department shared some tips on school bus safety:
- The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is getting on and off the bus
- Most fatalities are children between five and seven years old because they are in a hurry to get on the bus and assume motorists will are all stopping for them
- Many drivers illegally pass stopped school buses
- Some students cross in front or behind school buses in the drivers’ “blind spots”
Students riding the bus should:
- Arrive at the bus stop early so they do not have to run to board the vehicle
- Stand at least ten feet away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop
- Never try to get on the bus until it comes to a complete stop and opens the door
- Be extra careful when wearing loose clothing or bringing along bags with straps that can get caught in the doors or handrails
- Walk in front of the bus, not behind it
- Always make sure the bus driver can see you
- Look both ways before crossing (look twice)
- If someone drops something near the bus, leave it or less the driver know
- Sit in the seats and face forward, do not stand
- Do not distract the driver and do not make loud noises
- Do not stick anything out the windows
Motorists should:
- Always stop for school buses with flashing lights
- Vehicles on all sides of a bus are supposed to stop, even if on a four-lane highway
- Watch out for children near schools
- If you see children near the street, slow down