School Bus Safety Week: Tips for Safer Travel
October 22 - 26 is School Bus Safety Week. We have previously covered school bus safety on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, but this annual safety event is a good opportunity to remind readers that a school bus is no playground. Following are some helpful general safety tips for kids who commute by school bus, courtesy of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT):
- "Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes early.
- Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
- Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
- Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and bookbags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
- Check both ways for cars before stepping off the bus."
Students who are crossing the street to board or exit a school bus should:
- "Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
- Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 giant steps ahead of the bus.
- Be sure the bus driver can see them, and they can see the bus driver.
- Wait for the driver's signal to cross."
Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- School bus safety tips for kids and drivers
- Data illustrating the need for school bus safety belts
- Tips for prevention of backpack injuries
For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
