For many families, riding the school bus is part of the daily routine. School buses are one of the safest ways for children to travel to and from school, but everyone plays a role in keeping students safe. Parents, caregivers, children, and drivers can all help prevent injuries by following a few simple safety tips. The Tennessee Traffic Safety Office’s School Bus Safety webpage offers helpful information for families and drivers.
Before the school year begins, take time to talk with your child about safety. Remind them to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early, stand at least 6 feet away from the curb or roadway, and avoid pushing or roughhousing while waiting. When the bus arrives, they should wait until it comes to a complete stop before getting on or off. Families can also review additional safety tips on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's School Bus Safety page.
While riding the school bus, children should stay seated, face forward, keep the aisle clear, and listen to the bus driver. If the bus has seatbelts, children should wear them correctly. Children should put phones and headphones away while waiting, boarding, exiting, and crossing near the school bus. Good behavior helps the driver stay focused on the road and keeps everyone safe during the ride.
It's just as important to talk about what happens after getting off the bus. If your child needs to cross the street, they should walk at least 10 feet or about 5 giant steps in front of the bus where the driver can see them, make eye contact with the driver, and wait for the driver's signal before crossing. Children should never walk behind the bus or bend down to pick up something they dropped near the bus without first getting the driver's attention. Children should look left, right, and left again to make sure traffic has stopped before crossing.
Drivers have an important responsibility, too. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, so drivers should slow down and prepare to stop. Motorists must stop when a school bus has its red flashing lights activated and the stop arm extended. In Tennessee, motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction must stop when the bus is loading or unloading students, except on a separate roadway divided by an unpaved median or other space not intended for vehicle travel. Slow down near school buses, stay alert for children, and never try to pass a bus while students are loading or unloading.
Taking a few minutes to review these simple safety habits can help children build confidence and stay safe throughout the school year. For more tips and Tennessee-specific guidance, visit the Tennessee Traffic Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Explore More Resources for School Bus Safety:
Tennessee Highway Safety Office: https://tntrafficsafety.org/school-buses
Tennessee Department of Education: https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/health-and-safety/school-safety/transportation.html
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety
National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/buses-safest-transportation-for-school-children?srsltid=AfmBOoqYRNmWLRHCyehtIS-fBktY1OQtcFqjBy8qKWjl5QOXesyzG3LA#/
Tennessee Highway Patrol Pupil Transportation: https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/cvemain/pupiltransport.html?
National Transportation Safety Board: https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/SafetyIssues/Pages/School-Bus-Safety.aspx