Supervisor Specht Shares Busing Safety Tips for New School Year

By Rockland Daily Staff

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht shared busing safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) and the New York State Education Department ( NYSED). 

Safety tips for the new school year include the following for both motorists and children. 

Children should arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Show children where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. Remind children that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.

Children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay before approaching the bus door. Use the bus's handrails to avoid falling.

Children should never walk or cross the street behind a school bus. If a child must cross the road to get to the bus, have them walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street, at least five giant steps (10 feet), in front of the bus before crossing. Tell children to make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to ensure the driver sees them. If something is dropped near the school bus, the safest thing is to tell the bus driver right away. Children should not try to pick up the item because the driver might not be able to see them.

Drivers need to practice safe driving in school zones. This includes making sure to always stop for school buses loading or unloading children. When driving in a school zone, drivers should never pass other vehicles. Drivers need to obey the posted school zone speed and look out for the " flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions. Drivers should also look out for and follow any signals crossing guards give.

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