How to Stay Safe at a School Bus Stop

The school bus system around the country provides parents with a way to get their children to and from school safely and in a timely manner. This is particularly advantageous for parents who must be at work before school starts or who don't get off work until long after school has ended for the day. Because the greatest risk associated with riding a bus is getting on and off the bus, teaching your child how to stay safe at the bus stop is a must.

Instructions

    • 1

      Drop your child off at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick him up. If your child walks to the bus stop, teach him to get there five minutes ahead of time. According to HealthyChildren.org, most accidents happen when children are in a hurry to get on or off the bus, and arriving early can help cut down on this rush.

    • 2

      Show your child how to stand far enough away from the place where the bus comes to a stop. The Kids Health website notes that children should stay at least 10 feet away from where the bus stops, which is about five giant steps back.

    • 3

      Teach your child to wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop before moving toward the door to get on.

    • 4

      Instruct your child to wait until the flashing stop sign on the side of the bus is completely out and blinking before crossing the street to board the bus. When the bus driver puts out the stop sign, it means that it's safe to cross.

    • 5

      Teach your child to never walk behind the bus and to only cross in front of the school bus. The driver isn't able to see your child if he crosses behind the bus so walking in front is the only way to ensure that the driver knows where your child is before pulling away.

    • 6

      Remind your child to tell the bus driver if he drops anything while getting on or off the bus, HealthyChildren.org cautions. If your child tries to pick up something he dropped, the bus driver probably won't be able to see him.

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