School Bus Safety: Keeping Your Child Safe

The yellow school bus is one of the safest forms of transportation for children. They're designed with safety features that protect children far better than most passenger vehicles. However, the most dangerous times are when children are getting on and off the bus—and that's where your guidance becomes critical.

Teaching your child school bus safety rules isn't a one-time conversation. It requires ongoing reinforcement, practice, and modeling of safe behavior. Here's what every family needs to know.

The Bus Stop: Highest Risk Zone AAP

More children are injured near the bus than on it. The danger zone requires careful attention.

The danger zone:

• 10 feet in all directions around the bus
• This is where the driver has limited visibility
• Never walk behind the bus
• Always walk far enough in front that the driver can see you

Waiting for the bus:

• Arrive 5 minutes early (no rushing toward moving bus)
• Stand at least 6 feet back from the curb
• Wait until the bus stops completely before approaching
• Never run toward a moving bus
• Stay out of the street while waiting

Getting on the bus:

• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop
• Let the bus driver signal it's safe to board
• Use the handrail when climbing steps
• Don't push or crowd
• Go directly to a seat

Crossing the Street AAP

If your child must cross the street, this requires specific training.

The 10-foot rule:

• Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus before crossing
• This allows the driver to see you
• Wait for the driver's signal to cross
• Make eye contact with the driver

Crossing safely:

• Look left, right, then left again before stepping
• Walk, don't run
• Keep looking while crossing
• Go straight across—don't angle toward the bus

Dropped items:

• NEVER go back for anything dropped near the bus
• Tell the bus driver and wait for help
• This is when children are most often struck

On the Bus AAP

While riding is statistically very safe, rules still matter.

Safe riding behavior:

• Sit facing forward
• Stay seated while bus is moving
• Keep aisles clear
• Keep head, arms, and hands inside windows
• Talk quietly—don't distract the driver
• Follow the driver's instructions

What NOT to do:

• Stand while bus is moving
• Throw things on or off the bus
• Yell or make loud noises
• Block the aisles
• Fight or roughhouse
• Eat or drink (often prohibited)

Emergency situations:

• Listen to the driver's instructions
• Know where emergency exits are
• Stay calm
• If bus is on fire: exit through any available door or window

Getting Off the Bus AAP

Exiting requires as much care as boarding.

Safe exit:

• Stay seated until the bus stops completely
• Wait your turn—don't push
• Use the handrail
• Watch your step
• Exit in an orderly way

After exiting:

• Take 5 giant steps away from the bus
• Never go back toward the bus for any reason
• If you must cross, follow crossing rules (10 feet in front)
• Wait until the bus leaves if not crossing

The dropped item rule:

• If you drop something, leave it
• Tell the driver from a safe distance
• Never bend down near the bus

Special Safety Training for Different Ages AAP

Safety instruction should be age-appropriate.

Kindergarten and first grade:

• Practice crossing and danger zones
• Walk through scenarios multiple times
• Use simple, concrete rules
• Role-play various situations
• Repeat instructions regularly

Elementary school:

• Reinforce all rules
• Add responsibility for watching for younger children
• Discuss consequences of unsafe behavior
• Talk about peer pressure on buses
• Reinforce stranger danger at bus stops

Middle school:

• Emphasize distraction dangers (phones while crossing)
• Discuss modeling behavior for younger riders
• Address bullying on buses
• Reinforce that rules still apply

Bus Stop Behavior AAP

What happens at the stop matters for safety.

Waiting safely:

• Stay on the sidewalk or well off the road
• Don't play games that could spill into street
• Don't push or shove
• Be aware of weather conditions (ice, poor visibility)
• Stay alert—no phones or headphones

When the bus arrives:

• Stay back until it completely stops
• Wait for the driver's signal
• Board in order (younger children first if applicable)
• Have belongings organized before boarding

Walking to/from the bus stop:

• Use sidewalks when available
• Walk facing traffic when no sidewalk
• Be aware of surroundings
• Know the route
• Use buddy system for younger children

What to Do If Your Child Misses the Bus AAP

Having a plan prevents dangerous decisions.

Rule #1: Never chase the bus

• Running after a moving bus is extremely dangerous
• The driver may not see your child
• Other drivers may not see your child
• It's not worth the risk

Have a plan in advance:

• What should they do if they miss it?
• Who should they contact?
• Where should they wait?
• Do they have a phone or know a neighbor?

At the bus stop:

• If bus is pulling away, stay put
• Go home or to designated safe spot
• Contact parent for alternative transport
• Never take a ride from a stranger

Visibility and Weather AAP

Conditions affect safety significantly.

Being visible:

• Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers see your child
• Especially important in fall/winter with early darkness
• Reflective strips on backpacks help
• Avoid dark colors in low-light conditions

Weather considerations:

• Rain and ice create slippery conditions
• Cold weather means bundled, less mobile children
• Leave extra time in bad weather
• Watch for ice on steps
• Hold handrails even more carefully

School Bus Rules and Consequences AAP

Understanding the system helps everyone.

Typical bus rules:

• Stay seated
• Keep quiet (driver needs to concentrate)
• No eating or drinking
• Respect other riders
• Follow driver instructions
• Keep belongings in lap or under seat

Consequences of rule violations:

• Warning from driver
• Report to school administration
• Parent notification
• Seat reassignment
• Possible suspension from bus riding

If your child has problems:

• Talk to the bus driver directly
• Contact transportation department
• Work with school administration
• Address bullying through proper channels

Special Situations AAP

Some circumstances require additional attention.

New bus riders:

• Practice everything before school starts
• Ride the route if possible
• Know bus number and driver name
• Know what stop to get off at
• Have contact information accessible

Children with special needs:

• Discuss accommodations with the school
• Ensure driver knows any relevant medical information
• Practice boarding and exiting if needed
• Consider seat placement for safety

When bus routes change:

• Re-practice the new stop location
• Walk the route together
• Identify safe spots along the way
• Update emergency contacts if needed

Teaching Safety Through Practice AAP

Don't just tell—show and practice.

Role-play scenarios:

• Waiting for the bus safely
• The bus is coming—what do you do?
• You dropped your backpack near the bus
• You need to cross after exiting
• Someone is bothering you on the bus

Create visual reminders:

• Picture sequence of safe boarding
• List of bus rules posted at home
• Emergency contact card in backpack
• Bus number and route written down

Ongoing reinforcement:

• Discuss bus ride after school
• Ask about safety-related situations
• Praise safe behavior
• Correct unsafe behavior immediately

Communication With Drivers and School AAP

Partnership with transportation providers matters.

Get to know the driver:

• Learn their name
• Greet them positively
• Thank them for keeping kids safe
• Communicate any concerns directly

Work with the school:

• Attend bus safety programs
• Report any safety issues promptly
• Update contact information
• Communicate schedule changes

If there's a problem:

• Don't approach the driver in front of children about serious issues
• Contact transportation department for formal concerns
• Document incidents if needed
• Follow up on reported issues

The Bottom Line

School buses are remarkably safe, but the moments around the bus—boarding, exiting, and waiting—require careful attention and training. Your ongoing instruction and reinforcement of safety rules protects your child during this vulnerable time. AAP

Remember:

• The danger zone is 10 feet around the bus
• Never chase a moving bus
• Dropped items can wait—safety can't
• Practice and reinforce rules regularly
• Communication with school is key

Focus on:

• Making safety rules concrete and memorable
• Practicing scenarios, not just discussing them
• Reinforcing lessons throughout the year
• Modeling safe behavior yourself
• Partnering with school and drivers

Clara is here when you need help with school bus safety questions or other transportation concerns.