In preparation for this month's issue of The Flame, I consulted with many mothers and friends who freely and colorfully shared their ideas for bus safety with me.        

Hope to see you on October 5th!! 

   

There are more than 23 million students in the U.S. who take the bus to and from school each day.  And gratefully, on average only eleven school age children die each year in school bus crashes as passengers.  Still, what we know is that it's not being on the bus where the danger often lies, it's getting on and off the bus where most accidents occur.  Review these tips with your child each year. It couldn't hurt to remind yourself, too.   

• Make sure to arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is due to arrive.
• Wait in a safe location---well away from the side of the road
• If you need to cross the road to get on the bus, wait until the gate comes out and wait for the bus driver to motion to you that it's safe to cross 
• Wait 'til the bus comes to a complete stop before walking toward it and make sure the bus driver sees you
• Make sure you're getting on the right bus before getting on. Check the number of the bus    
• Know the name of your regular bus driver and remember what he/she looks like
• Never chase your bus. If you miss the bus, go home and tell your parent    
• Be careful as you board the bus. Book bag straps and drawstrings can get caught in the door 
• Get on the bus and sit down. Stay seated, facing forward on the bus--not sideways toward the aisle  
• Never, never, never put hands, arms, heads, anything out the bus window
• Do not make loud noises while you're on the bus (yelling, screaming) as it may distract the bus driver  
• Be respectful of the bus driver and always follow his or her instructions  

Tips for Parents    

• Know your child's bus schedule. If they're old enough to come home to an empty house, have them check in with you once they are safely in the house.
• Talk with other parents at the bus stop.  Get to know them and their children.
• Communicate any issues or concerns with your child's school immediately. Allowing bullying, fighting or other concerns to continue may make your kid's bus commute dangerous and certainly less enjoyable.
• Be positive with your kid about the bus. Encourage him or her to enjoy the ride and also enjoy getting to know new friends on the bus.  
• Talk with your child about accepting rides from strangers. If your child is ever approached by someone either at the bus stop or on the way to/from the bus stop who offers them a ride, tell your child not to accept the ride and go for help. Studies have shown that finding a mom with kids is the safest person to approach (besides a police officer).   

 Tips for EVERY DRIVER  

• Obey the rules about school buses! Flashing amber lights means the bus is going to stop. You need to slow down, prepare to stop, and not attempt to pass the bus. Flashing red lights mean you must stop and not pass the bus. If you are not sure, play it safe and stop anyway 
• Give yourself some extra time for commuting now that school buses are back on the roads
• Do not take your eyes off the road at any time! Texting, looking down at your phone, responding to emails, talking on the phone, are ALL major distractions and can cause accidents   
• Pay special attention when you are coming upon a stopped school bus.  Children are children and may be distracted and not thinking about safety.   

There are plenty of things to know and practice these days, but if you use common sense, be alert, aware and be ready to stop and pay attention, you can ensure that you will be a far safer driver.  Especially when it comes to children's safety. 

Enjoy the fall foliage--including the yellow school buses!