School transportation is one of the most widely used methods of transporting children from their homes to school and vice versa, and not for less, because it is one less worry for parents, that is, if the safety of infants is guaranteed. For many parents, letting their children travel on school transportation can be a scary thought, but there are always things that can be done to increase the safety of children on school transportation.
Child safety in spaces where parents are not present, such as on school transportation, is crucial and should be taught to children at home. Therefore, here are a few tips for child safety on the school bus.
1. Boarding the School Bus
The first part of this journey is boarding, and this can be made safer, firstly, when parents personally accompany their children to the pick-up point, especially if they are young children, and arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. By the time children board, they need to be three steps away from the curb where they can be seen by the bus driver.
Also, it is important to let the children know that they should not carry objects that could fall while boarding the bus or during the trip that could cause an accident, such as balls or other items. Finally, they should board only when the bus is at a complete stop and the driver indicates that they may board.
2. During the School Bus Journey
It is important to make safety rules clear to the children during the trip, and explain what can happen if they do not comply with them, since it is during this window of time when parents are not present.
One of the most important points is to keep the aisle of the bus clear, therefore, it is necessary that children put their belongings such as backpacks, jackets, among others, in the assigned place. Likewise, they should remain in their seats during the trip and until the bus driver indicates that they can get up to get off the bus.
They should not jump, push or pull other children on board the school bus. It is also not recommended to eat during the trip, even if they are allowed to do so, as there is a risk of choking on food, due to any sudden movement of the bus.
3. At the end of the trip
Whether getting off the bus to go to the school or to go home, it is important that children take special care when getting off the bus. First of all, they should get out of their seat only when the bus is at a complete stop and the driver has instructed them to do so. They should also be careful when descending the steps, with their hands on the handrails and watching where they step.
If something falls off the bus, they should tell the driver and not try to pick it up themselves. If it is necessary to cross the street after getting off, it is important to cross in front of the bus, taking 10 steps in front of the bus so that they can make eye contact with the driver and the driver can tell them if they can cross the street or not.
