MCUSD2 is proud to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week October 16th through the 20th. We are grateful to our Transportation Center and local MPD for everything they do to keep our children safe. You can help keep our students safe by remembering some of these Bus Safety Tips!
At the Bus Stop:
- Arrive early at the bus stop – at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
Around the Bus:
- Cross in front of the bus – at least 10 feet (or five giant steps) – and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up; tell the bus driver instead.
Getting On/Off the Bus:
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus.
- Use the handrail.
- Secure any loose or hanging objects like straps on a backpack or drawstrings on a hood.
- Once off the bus, get away from the bus. Take at least 10 big steps away from the bus.
Behavior on the Bus:
- Stay in your seat keeping head, arms and papers inside the bus, and talk quietly.
- Keep aisles clear of books and bags
- Use inside voices.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
Sharing the Road with School Buses:
If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
