School Bus Safety

• Follow school buses at a safe distance (10-20 feet), keeping in mind that they make frequent stops.
• Watch for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
• Always stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. Drivers must remain stopped until:
  • The school bus turns off its red flashing lights
  • The bus driver retracts the stop sign
  • The bus begins moving again
• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
  • Passing a stopped bus: $500-$1,250 for first offense, possible license suspension for repeat offenses
  • Speeding near a bus: Steep fines plus points on your license
  • Reckless driving around buses: Potential misdemeanor charges, hefty fines, and maybe even jail time
• Texas Transportation Code 545.066

Getting Ready for School

• Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won´t drop things along the way.
• Have them wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
• Make sure they leave home on time so they can walk to the bus stop and be ready when the bus arrives. Running can be dangerous.

Walking to the Bus Stop

• Walk your young child to the bus stop, and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
• Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
• Stop and look left, right and then left again if you must cross the street. Do the same thing at driveways and alleys.

Waiting at the Bus Stop

• Don't let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It is dangerous.
• Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (five giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic.

Getting On and Off the Bus

• If children drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver´s instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped object, they might not be seen by the driver and could be hurt if the driver pulls away from the stop.
• Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to pass busses on the right.
• Teach your children to secure loose drawstrings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus as they are exiting.
• Give your child a note or follow your school´s procedures if you would like your child to get off at a stop other than the one they are assigned.
• If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited at seeing you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.

• Stand as far back from the curb as possible when you are waiting for a bus.
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it’s safe to board.
• Listen to the bus driver and remain seated to avoid distracting the driver.
• Talk quietly, be courteous to the driver and follow the driver's instructions.
• Stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.
• When exiting the bus, cross only in front of the bus, never behind it. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal that it’s safe to cross the street.