Every year we see a great deal of effort being made for programs like 'School Bus Safety Week', which guides school authorities, students, and parents on ways to ensure safety inside the school buses and also how can one make school bus ride a safe one.
But, some universal school bus safety tips are present which should be followed by the students for remaining alert and having a safe school bus rides. It is a known fact that, school buses are considered as the safest mode of transportation for the children to and from school. It has been found out that accident rate accounts to 0.2 % on school buses in comparison to other modes of public transport – where accident rate amounts to 5.6%.
It does not matter whether the children is boarding the bright yellow colored school bus for the first time or the hundredth time, proper knowledge and awareness are needed. Following the simple safety rules can help the students have a safe bus ride.
Some Tips For The Safety Of The School Buses
1. Children's should never run to the bus stop, rather they should walk to the bus-stop by taking the sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available, then the students should walk on the left facing traffic. They should always cross the street, from the front of the bus. They should not cross the road from behind the bus, as the driver might not see the children coming and might move the bus.
2. It is always important to remain seated properly throughout the ride. Creating commotions can cause distraction to the drivers which can lead to accidents. While remaining seated, it is important to use the child safety restraints like seat-belts, three-way belts, etc. These restraints can provide protection to the students from injuries in case of sudden brakes, collisions, etc.
But, some universal school bus safety tips are present which should be followed by the students for remaining alert and having a safe school bus rides. It is a known fact that, school buses are considered as the safest mode of transportation for the children to and from school. It has been found out that accident rate accounts to 0.2 % on school buses in comparison to other modes of public transport – where accident rate amounts to 5.6%.
It does not matter whether the children is boarding the bright yellow colored school bus for the first time or the hundredth time, proper knowledge and awareness are needed. Following the simple safety rules can help the students have a safe bus ride.
Some Tips For The Safety Of The School Buses
1. Children's should never run to the bus stop, rather they should walk to the bus-stop by taking the sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available, then the students should walk on the left facing traffic. They should always cross the street, from the front of the bus. They should not cross the road from behind the bus, as the driver might not see the children coming and might move the bus.
2. It is always important to remain seated properly throughout the ride. Creating commotions can cause distraction to the drivers which can lead to accidents. While remaining seated, it is important to use the child safety restraints like seat-belts, three-way belts, etc. These restraints can provide protection to the students from injuries in case of sudden brakes, collisions, etc.
3.Specially Designed Yellow Colored School Buses With School Bus Cargo Restraints
- The school buses should be specially designed as per the guidelines of the transport department. It basically should be bright yellow in color with flashing white lights so that it can be viewed from a distance. It should have emergency exist doors, with red stop flags
- The seats of the school buses follow 'compartmentalization'.
- Many products are designed and introduced to increase the school bus safety and efficiency. Products like cargo restraints, i.e, school bus cargo restraint systems allows to safely carry cargos inside the school buses along with the young kids and children's. They are basically cargo containers or better known as 'gear compartments' that allows school authorities to carry luggages, equipments, or any other type of cargos safely without worrying about the cargos coming or falling off from its position.
- Parents and school authorities can keep a proper vigilance on the school buses with the help of GPS tracking systems. It can help to keep an eye on the kids as well as on the school buses in real-time basis and report any discrepancies.
- Drivers of the school buses should be chosen carefully. They should not have any criminal backgrounds. They should pass screening and driving test, and if needed they should be given proper training for school bus driving.
- In Canada and in some parts of North America, school buses are frequently exposed to rough weather conditions, and during the winter months it is especially hard on the fleet. The expansion of ice, snow and cold climate to an effectively strained bus can prompt tire slippage, motor engine trouble and rust. Winter climate can expose the weaknesses of the fleet. Hence, maintenance is important for the school buses.
