This October, the Bethel Park School District joined the nationwide effort to promote student safety during National School Bus Safety Week, observed from October 21–25. This annual initiative highlights the essential role school buses play in safely transporting more than 25 million students to and from school each day. National School Bus Safety Week serves as a valuable reminder for students, parents, teachers, and community members to prioritize safety around school buses.
Here are some helpful safety tips for drivers, students, and parents to ensure the continued security of children at bus stops and on the road:
Safety Tips for School Bus Drivers
- Pre-Trip Inspection: Inspect the bus before every run to ensure there are no mechanical issues.
- Keep Children in View: Confirm all children have reached a safe spot before deactivating safety lights.
- Monitor Traffic: Ensure all vehicles have stopped before allowing children to exit.
- End-of-Run Check: After unloading, check the bus to ensure no child is left behind.
- Emergency Preparedness: Teach students about emergency procedures and safe loading and unloading practices.
Safety Tips for Students and Parents
- Wait Safely: Stand at least five large steps away from the curb.
- Stay Calm: If the bus has already left, never run after it.
- Cross Safely: Always cross in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
- Seated & Secure: Stay seated while the bus is moving and keep body parts inside the bus.
- Avoid Playing Near Exits: Keep emergency exits clear, and don’t block aisles with bags or equipment.
Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
To further protect students, Pennsylvania law mandates that:
- Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away when a bus’s red lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended.
- Drivers must halt when approaching a bus from any direction or at an intersection where a bus is stopped.
- Drivers should only proceed once the bus’s red lights are off, the stop arm is withdrawn, and children have safely reached a secure area.
]For more information about National School Bus Safety Week, visit the National Association for Pupil Transportation.