Keep children safe around buses

Only you can keep your children ready. Do these five things now and throughout the school year:

1. LOOK at and KNOW your children’s route to and from the bus stop.

2. SHOW your children how to go safely to and from the bus stop. Use  HANDS-ON instruction.

3. REVIEW the below five basic bus safety rules with your children. FOLLOW UP and REINFORCE.

4. STRESS good behavior on the bus. GOOD  BEHAVIOR and SAFETY go hand-in-hand.

5. REPORT your safety concerns to the school bus office.

Note: Children, particularly in kindergarten through second grade, need your supervision. Take them to and from the bus stop. Wait with them until they have safely boarded the bus. When they return from school, meet them on the same side of the street at the bus stop; do not wait in a parked car or building, nor allow your child to come to you.

Important facts you need to know:

• In Europe, traffic does not stop for loading and unloading school buses. Teach your children this life-saving rule: Never cross the street in front of or behind the bus.

• Children are at the greatest risk for accidents and injuries going to and from the bus stop.

Five basic safety rules that prevent most accidents and injuries:

1. Be on time — WALK, do not run to the bus stop.

2. When waiting for the bus, take at least THREE LARGE STEPS AWAY from the curb.

3. TAKE your seat on the bus and stay in it while the bus is moving. If there are seat belts, buckle up.

4. When getting off the bus, take THREE LARGE STEPS AWAY from the curb and WAIT for the bus to depart before crossing the street.

5. NEVER cross the street in front of or behind the bus.