With school buses rolling throughout North Carolina this week- more than 200 of them in Iredell County- it is important to remind students of the safety precautions that must be taken when going to and waiting at the bus stop.
"We will do everything we can to ensure students arrive to and from school safely," said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ron Hargrave. "We need students and their parents to help do their part by following a few, simple safety precautions."
Walking to the Bus Stop
-Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic; walk single file
-Do not run
-Arrive at the bus stop approximately five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive; wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road; do not run and play while waiting
-Wear appropriately colored clothing that allows you to be visible by vehicles
-Do not use earphones or cell phones while walking to or waiting on the bus; you must be able to hear what is going on around you
-Remain at least 10 feet (or five giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus
Getting On and Off the Bus
-Enter the bus in line with younger students in the front; hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs
-Go directly to a seat; remain seated and face forward during the entire ride
-If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it; the driver may not see you and the bus may begin moving
-Always remain at least 10 steps away from the bus so the driver can see you
-Never go behind the bus; always cross the street in front of the bus; if you drop something, tell the driver before attempting to pick it up to ensure the driver is aware before the bus moves
-Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger; always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up
For Parents
-Ensure your child puts everything they carry into a backpack so they won't drop things along the way
-Ensure your child wears bright, contrasting colors so they can be seen by driver
-Walk or drive your young child to the stop; older students should walk to the stop in groups, if possible
-Make sure your child leaves home on time so they can walk to the stop and arrive before the bus is due; running can be dangerous
-Remind your child to stay out of the road and walk only on sidewalks or on shoulders facing traffic
*Safety tips provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's NC School Bus Safety website.
