Back-to-school season is always rife with emotions ranging from excitement to nervousness, anticipation to dread. However, most parents’ primary concern is their children’s safety and well-being. Whether your child will be taking the bus to school for the first time this year or they have done so for most of their lives, revisiting school bus safety procedures is essential. The experienced bus accident attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC have compiled this guide to help Illinois parents teach their children how to keep themselves safe from harm.
Safety Tips for School Bus Riders
School bus safety requires awareness and attention at every point of a journey, from waiting at the bus stop to exiting the bus when the children arrive at their destination. Children should also have a clear sense of what to do in the event of an emergency. Here are the vital safety considerations for each stage of a school bus trip.
Bus Stop Safety
One of the most crucial aspects of school bus safety is proper behavior at the bus stop. Encourage your children to arrive at the stop at least five minutes early to avoid rushing or running to catch the bus. They should stand at least six feet away from the curb while waiting and refrain from engaging in horseplay or roughhousing with other students. Remind them to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver signals that it is safe to board before approaching the vehicle.
Boarding the School Bus
When boarding the bus, children should use the handrail to avoid falls and tripping hazards. They must go directly to their seats and remain seated for the duration of the ride. Stress the importance of keeping the aisles clear of backpacks, instruments, and other belongings that could pose a tripping hazard or impede an evacuation in an emergency.
Riding the Bus
While riding the bus, children should keep their hands, arms, and heads inside the vehicle at all times. They must avoid throwing objects inside the bus or out the windows, as this can startle the driver and lead to an accident. Encourage your children to use a reasonable volume when speaking with friends and to refrain from distracting the driver with loud noises or unruly behavior.
Emergency Protocols
In the event of an emergency, it is essential that children know how to evacuate the bus safely. Familiarize them with the location and operation of emergency exits, including the rear door, windows, and roof hatches. Teach them to leave their belongings behind and exit the bus calmly and quickly, assembling at a safe distance from the vehicle as directed by the driver or emergency personnel.
Exiting the Bus
When exiting the bus, children should always cross the street in front of the vehicle, making eye contact with the driver before proceeding. They should look both ways for oncoming traffic and only cross when it is safe to do so, using designated crosswalks whenever possible.
Stein & Shulman, LLC: Fighting for Families’ Rights
By discussing these school bus safety tips with your children and reinforcing them throughout the year, you can help ensure that they arrive at school and return home safely each day. However, even with the best preparation, accidents can still occur.
If your child suffers injuries in a school bus accident, contact the knowledgeable Illinois school bus accident attorneys of Stein & Shulman, LLC. We have more than 60 years of experience, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured children and their families in their time of need. Call today for a free consultation or contact us online, and let us explain your options for securing compensation.
