How can school vehicle safety be improved?

Most injuries to school vehicle passengers occur outside the school bus, as students are entering or leaving the bus, or crossing the street. Many of these mishaps can be prevented through education. School vehicle safety can be improved by teaching children the correct procedures and proper behavior around school buses. Children should learn:
* To be at the school bus stop on time
* To wait in a safe place well back from the side of the road
* To know the danger zones around the bus where the driver cannot see them
* To enter the bus in single file, holding onto the handrail
* To find a seat right away, and stay seated, facing forward at all times
* To make sure that there is nothing in the aisle
* To do what the bus driver says
* It is unsafe to distract the driver
* throwing things, rowdy behavior and eating or drinking is not allowed
* To keep heads and arms inside the bus
Children leaving the bus must be careful:
* If they can touch the bus, they are too close
* They should stay away from the side of the road, not play on snow banks
* If children drop something near the bus, they must learn to leave it and inform an adult; they should never pick it up because they may be out of sight of the driver
If children must cross the street:
* Children must walk at least ten big steps in front of the bus along the side of the road, and look at the driver before crossing
* Children should look for a signal from the driver before walking across the street
* Children should look all ways before crossing the roadway
* Parents should meet children on the side of the street where the bus stops
For more information contact your local school bus operator, local school board or police.