Class is in session: School bus safety

Back to school means back to the bus for thousands of kids across the country and for young riders riding the bus is a much-anticipated rite of passage.  Experts say that the bus is the safest way to get to school, however, buses like any other large vehicles, have blind spots. 

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are four to seven years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe around buses:

• Never pass a bus if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert; children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
• Stand at least three giant steps back from the curb when the bus is approaching.  This allows the driver room to maneuver and plenty of room to see you.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding or exiting.
• Use the handrail when boarding and exiting the bus.
• Stay 10 feet in front of the bus when walking in front of the bus.  This will help the bus driver see you.
• Look left, then right, then left   again when crossing the street to board or exit the bus.
• Never bend down near the bus or go under the bus to grab something.
• Always stay away from the rear wheels of the bus.

For more information about driving around buses safely check out the Kansas Department of  Education's brochure: