Summer is coming to an end and school is back in session! For many children, that means back on the bus.
However, children also need to do their part to remain vigilant of their surroundings to prevent injury. At Martin Jean & Jackson, our Oklahoma school bus accident attorneys urge parents to teach their kids several safety rules for getting on and off the bus, and for exercising good behavior during the commute.
Safety tips for getting on the bus:
- Children must line up or stand five steps away from the curb
- Stay away from traffic
- Avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can result in carelessness
- Wait for the bus to arrive and the door opens before entering the vehicle
- Use the handrail when boarding
Safety tips for the bus ride to school:
- If seat belts are available on the bus, always buckle up
- Stay in your seat at all times and avoid moving around
- Make sure the aisle are clear of bags, books, and other debris
- Avoid making yelling or making loud noises that could distract the bus driver
- Do not put your hands, arms, or head out the window
- Gather your belongings before reaching your destination
- Wait until the bus makes a complete stop before getting up and exiting the vehicle
Safety tips for getting off the bus:
- Use the handrail when exiting
- If you cross the road, never cross behind a school bus, always in front
- When crossing, make eye contact with the bus driver to ensure that he/she sees you
- Before crossing the street, look left, right, then left again to keep an eye out for oncoming vehicles and sudden traffic changes
- Always stay away from the rear wheels of the bus
Lastly, this message goes out to other drivers. Now school is in session, more and more kids will appear on the road, which can increase the traffic of your morning commute. Give yourself some extra time get to work as school starts so that you are not in a rush.
When backing out of the driveway, remain cautious for kids walking behind your vehicle. In neighborhoods where you can see children waiting for the bus, walking, or riding their bikes, always drive at slow speeds. If you notice a vehicle stopped ahead of you, do not drive around it—the reason could be a child crossing the street.
If your child has been injured in a school bus accident in Oklahoma, contact us and schedule a free consultation today.