Well, hello there and welcome to the school bus safety page!  Vince and I are here to tell you some interesting facts about school bus safety. Click anywhere on the bus to learn about all the special features that let you get to school in one piece!

Did you know that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation around? The greatest potential danger is actually not riding the bus, it’s Before & After: before you get on and after you get off.  

How can you find out about school bus Danger Zones and learn other important bus safety stuff?

Yellow flashing lights on the bus indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload. This means cars need to slow down and get ready to stop.

Red Flashing Lights and Stop Signal Arm indicates that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off.  This tells motorists to stop their cars.

The bus driver.  A bus driver’s main concern is safety.  To become a bus driver you must be a good driver and pass a test which allows you to get a special license. What’s your bus driver’s name?

Side and Rear View Mirrors let the driver know what is going on around them. Cars may be approaching, kids may be walking up to the bus, and bikes may be close by.

Emergency Exits. Let’s hope you never have to use them, but just in case, you should always know where the exits are. In a real emergency listen to your driver for instructions.

Crossing Control Arm is mounted on the front bumper and will swing out when the door is opened. It is designed to keep children from walking close to the front of the bus.

Danger Zone (front): DANGER ZONE!  It’s never safe to walk close to the front of the bus. The bus driver may be sitting up too high to see you. Walk 5 giant steps ahead of the bus before crossing in front of it.

Danger Zone (sides): DANGER ZONE!  Remember never walk close to the side of a school bus.  Stay at least 3 giant steps away from the side. You may be in the bus driver’s blind spot—if you are where he/she can’t see you.

Danger Zone (behind bus): DANGER ZONE! Never walk behind a school bus. The driver will not be able to see you.

Walking Area: When getting off the bus make sure you walk (not run) three more steps away from the door. This is the best place to be around a bus. Stay away from the bus wheels and watch out for moving cars!