As summer comes to an end and the school year approaches, approximately 25 million students nationwide will utilize school buses a means of transportation to and from school. School bus safety is an important issue parents should discuss with their children before the beginning of the school year, especially for first time riders. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, school buses are the safest means of transportation for children getting to and from school. Moreover, The National Safety Council reports that utilizing a school bus for transportation is 13 times safer than riding in a vehicle with a parent or teenager and 10 times safer than walking.
Although experts report taking a school bus as the safest mode of transportation for children, children can encounter other dangers on a bus other than being injured in a bus accident. The National Safety Council advises parents to educate children about safety rules for getting on and off a school bus, along with behavior that is expected while riding on the bus for everyone’s safety.
The following are tips that parents and children can implement to help increase bus safety:
- If it is possible, walk younger children to the bus stop and wait with them until the bus arrives. Try to arrive at least five minutes early to avoid running across the road to catch the bus or catch up with friends.
- Teach children to stand at least five giant steps away from the road while waiting for the bus.
- Instruct children to use handrails while boarding the bus and to be aware of their surroundings. Backpacks and sweatshirts with drawstrings or cords can easily get caught in the bus door or railings.
- Teach children the importance of staying seated while riding on a school bus and speaking quietly to prevent the bus driver from being distracted from the road.
- Be sure they know to always obey the school bus driver’s instructions so he or she can make safe decisions.
- Teach children to never play with emergency exits and keep backpacks, instruments, and sports equipment out of the aisle in order for the emergency exits to be easily accessed.
- Instruct children to walk at least ten feet in front of the bus so the driver can see the child. Never cross the street behind a school bus.
- Get to know the bus driver and have them explain the different safety features on the bus.
To help ensure a safe enjoyable start to the school year it is important for parents and children to review school bus safety tips together.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Represent Victims of School Bus Accidents
When parents put their children on a school bus they are trusting their children will return home safe; however, that is not always the case. If your loved one has been injured in a school bus related accident, call the experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates. We fight for the rights for victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Voorhees, New Jersey. Call us at 215-567-6600 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.