School Bus Safety

Before the Bus Arrives

✅ Arrive to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives
✅ Ahead of a new school year, visit the bus stop and discuss where to wait (at least 10 feet away from the curb)
✅ Remember the bus stop is not a place to run or play

Getting On and Off Safely 

✅ When the school bus arrives, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off
✅ Use the handrails to avoid failing
✅ Stay Alert-all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus, but children should not rely on them to do so properly

Around The Bus

✅ Cross in front of the bus (at least 10 feet) and make eye contact with the driver before crossing
✅ Never walk behind the bus
✅ If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up; tell the bus driver instead.

When to stop for a School Bus

🛑You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. 

You are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway:

• has three or more marked traffic lanes
• is separated by a median
• or is separated by a physical barrier

🛑You should never pass a stopped school bus on the right hand side.

⚠️After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway. The risk of injuring a child crossing the road is increased during the loading and unloading of a school bus. Be alert for children that may try to return to the bus after unloading. Fines are doubled for anyone that passes a stopped school bus. The penalty for failing to stop for a stopped school bus may not be waived, reduced, or suspended.