As the long days of summer come to a close, families everywhere are preparing for a new school year. In the rush to complete reading lists and stock up on supplies, one important task is often overlooked by children and their parents. New Jersey bus accident lawyers say the end of summer marks the perfect time to hold a discussion on school bus safety. Whether your child is an incoming kindergarten student or a graduating high school senior, adhering to a few simple rules can ensure a safer school year for all.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a child is more likely to die being struck by their school bus than they are to die as a passenger. To that end, parents should teach children to always maintain a safe distance from passing motorists while at their bus stop and to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before entering the road.
Bus Safety Tips
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For those children who must cross a street to board or exit their bus, it is important to remain at all times within the sight line of the bus driver. Encourage those children to take at least five large steps away from the front of their bus – and to ensure that all oncoming traffic has stopped – before proceeding.
Once aboard their school bus, children should remain seated so as to not pose a distraction for their bus driver. Upon disembarking, children must be reminded to take their time and to use the provided hand rails. If an item has been dropped under the bus, such as a book or jacket, children should know they are never to retrieve it.
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Parents can continue to do their part to ensure school bus safety even after they have put their child on the bus for the school day. When driving, always stop for a school bus with flashing red or yellow lights. Moreover, make sure to follow posted speed limits in school zones and slow down near bus stops.
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