Super School Bus Driver Pointers

Danger Zones

• 95% of all serious or fatal accidents occurs in the danger zones
• If you can touch the school bus with you arms extended, you are too close, and this is very dangerous.
• Show them the danger zones, and explain visibility problems.
• 3 Most dangerous zones: | Rear of bus | Rear tires | Front of Bus|
• If you drop something while boarding tell your driver or alighting notify a school supervisor. NEVER go back and pick it up.

In the morning when boarding the school bus, this is what you should do

• Wait on the sidewalk or driveway until the school bus has completely stopped and the flashers are on, and bus drivers sees you.
• If crossing the street, the school bus driver will make you a hand sign when it is safe to cross the street. (remember 10 giant steps in front of the school bus – you must be able to see the EYES of your school bus driver)
• Move towards the door of the school bus
• Board the bus one at a time
• Go directly to your seat

Ask the students and teachers to board the bus.

Discuss the safest means of transportation in the world.

• Show Emergency windows and Exit door, playing with them brings you directly to the principal.

Now that we know this, let's talk about the dangers of winter

• Do not hide behind parked vehicles or snow banks
• Do not slide on the snow banks or ice
• Do not stand in the street for your school bus if you have a sidewalk or driveway.
• Do not run for the bus
• Student should know where to go if the bus is running late during extreme cold days (ex.: not to wait forever at the bus stop and take a chance to get frostbite.)

During the school bus ride

• NEVER stand up
• NEVER yell at the bus driver or other students
• NEVER push or fight on the school bus
• NEVER throw any object or food in or out of the school bus
• REMAIN in your seat, speaking softly to your friend beside you
• Once on the bus you should REMAIN on the bus

You wonder why?

• Drivers do not have eyes in the back of their heads.
• They must take their eyes off the road.
• He may also lose his concentration from the road to look in his rear view mirror which can create an accident
• Relate this to their parents driving. Ask them to ask their parents.
• Lack on concentration can cause an accident and people could be injured.

When students are getting off the bus, if the driver is disturbed

• He could loose count of the students who have to cross the street and your action could cause injury to your fellow students.
• Might not be able to accurately evaluate vehicles that are not stopping when flashers are on.

Upon school arrival

• Remind students that their school bag etc. should be all packed before leaving the bus.
• The school bus will stop doors will open.
• The students should descend one by one starting with the first seat on the front door side.
• Once you get off never stay near the bus in the danger zones. See the supervisor if you dropped something.

Once at your stop

• Teacher sits in the driver's seat. Driver goes outside making sure that kids understand proper procedure and crosses with each child. (Children go out one by one)

If you must cross the street:

• 10 giant steps in front of school bus
• Stop to make sure flashers are on and mechanical arm extended out
• Wait for the driver's hand signal
• Watch carefully for traffic and back up if the school bus driver honks his horn
• In the middle of the road or at the corner, stop to make sure all traffic has stopped.
• Walk slowly in a straight line across the street