Seventeen School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers

School buses, public transport buses, and private buses transport millions of people each year. Bus drivers have a huge responsibility for dozens of passengers’ well-being every time they sit in the bus driver’s seat. Equally important, other drivers on the road need to be aware of school buses and school zones to ensure the safety of children. Whether you are a school bus driver or a motorist, review these school bus safety tips for drivers to help keep children safe and reduce the risk of accidents.

17 School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers

1. Always slow down and prepare to stop for a school bus when you see flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended, regardless of which direction you are traveling in.
2. Keep a safe distance behind a school bus to allow plenty of time for children to enter or exit the bus safely.
3. Do not move until the bus lights stop flashing and the bus starts to move.
4. Be aware that children may not always follow traffic rules and could dart out into the road unexpectedly.
5. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or making turns when operating a school bus.
6. Obey speed limits in school zones and be extra cautious during pick-up and drop-off times when more children are present around buses.
7. Do not pass a stopped school bus on the right side, as this is where children load or unload from the bus.
8. Watch for crossing guards at intersections near schools, especially during peak hours when students are arriving or leaving.
9. Be patient when driving behind a slow-moving school bus and allow a safe following distance. They make frequent stops to pick up and drop off students along their route.
10. Pay attention and avoid distracted driving, such as using your phone, texting, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road. This can impair your ability to react quickly when a bus stops.
11. Allow for extra time to complete your bus route in inclement weather, as when it is raining, snowing, or the road conditions are not favorable.
12. Require students to wear seat belts if they are available in bus seats to keep passengers safe in case of a sudden stop.
13. Always make traffic safety the first priority and, if a route is just unfeasible, discuss the matter with your supervisor.
14. Bus drivers should avoid wearing hoods while driving, as they can interfere with peripheral vision and hearing.
15. Be sure to know your route, as well as alternate routes you may have to take. Modern GPS technology makes this easy, but it’s always worthwhile to keep an old-fashioned city map or Rand McNally atlas on hand.
16. Give your bus an inspection before each trip. Walk around the vehicle and check for any damage, check your tires, and also make sure your mirrors are in the right position before driving the bus.
17. Be mindful of your blind spots. Buses have large blind spots. Additional mirrors and other accessories have mitigated this somewhat, but drivers should always be mindful of their vehicles’ blind spots when changing lanes.

Help Promote Safe Driving All School Year

By practicing good driving and safety habits, bus drivers can ensure their passengers arrive safely and on time. Additionally, every driver on the road plays an important role in ensuring safe school transportation all school year. Accidents can be costly, result in serious injuries, and death.

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