Have your children put everything they carry in a book pack 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 arrive before the bus is due. 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, stay out of the street.
If you must 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. Exaggerate your head turns and narrate your actions so your child knows you are looking left, right, and left.
Waiting at the Bus Stop
Don't let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It is dangerous near traffic.
Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic. Have younger children practice taking 5 giant steps to become familiar with 10 feet.
Getting On and Off the Bus
Warn children that, if they 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 sneak by busses on the right.
Teach your children to secure loose drawstrings and other objects that might 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 for the child to get off at a stop other than the one they are assigned. The driver isn't allowed to let a child off at another stop without written permission.
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.
Riding the Bus
Children should talk quietly, be courteous to the driver and follow the driver's instructions.
Children should stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.
