Bus Safety

RSU 14 Transportation Department

Waiting for the Bus: Start Safe!

• Be Early: Arrive at the bus stop at least �10 minutes before your bus is due.
• Stay Back: Stand at least 10 feet �(about five giant steps) away from the curb.
• No Running, Pushing, or Playing: Always approach the bus safely and calmly and avoid the danger zone.

What is the Danger Zone?

Blind spots / rear wheel crush hazard

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Blind spots rear wheel crush hazard

Blind spots crush hazard

Loading the School Bus

• Bus stops and engages red lights
• Driver verifies that all traffic is stopped
• Driver gives thumbs up through the windshield
• Student crosses from pick up location to the bus door

How to Stay Safe, Respectful, and Ready to Ride

• Find a Seat Quickly: Go directly to your seat and sit down facing forward.
• Keep the Aisles Clear: Clear aisles are required for safe emergency exits.
• Stay in Your Seat: Don't stand up or walk around while the bus is moving.
• Always Face Forward: Remain facing towards the front of the bus, with your bottom on the seat and your feet towards the floor.
• Keep Volume Low: Drivers must hear radios, traffic, and emergency sounds.
• Respect the Driver: No yelling or distracting behaviors. Follow their directions.
• Protect School Property: No vandalism, writing on seats, or damaging equipment.

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Hands to Yourself

• Personal Space: Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
• No Throwing: Never throw anything on the bus or out the windows.
• No Bullying: Be kind with your words. No harassing or recording.
• Treat all students — younger and older — with respect

*Be Safe *Be Respectful *Be Responsible

Respecting the Bus Driver

• Listen to the Driver: They are in charge of keeping everyone safe.
• Follow Directions: Always do what the bus driver asks you to do.
• Be Polite and Thankful: Say "please" and "thank you" to your driver.

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Remember!

Your behavior affects the safety of everyone on the bus.

Do your part — ride safe, be respectful, and look out for one another.

Unloading the Bus

• Wait for the Stop: Stay in your seat until the bus �comes to a complete stop at your stop.
• One by One: Exit the bus one seat at a time, �and wait for your turn.
• Walk, Don't Push: Exit the bus calmly, patiently, �always using the handrail.
• When Crossing: Cross in front of the bus and �only when the driver signals.
• Never chase after a moving bus

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Identify and explain anything in this picture that is not following proper bus safety expectations.�

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Crossing the Street - Eye Contact & Signal

• Cross in Front: If you need to cross, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
• Make Eye Contact: Wait for the driver's signal and make eye contact to ensure they see you.
• Look Left-Right-Left: Always look both ways before stepping out into the road.
• Never Walk Behind: The driver cannot see you behind the bus.

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Keeping the Bus Clean

• No Food or Drinks: Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus. This includes candy and chewing gum.
• Keep It Tidy: Put trash in a trash can, not on the floor or seat.
• Report Messes: If you see a mess, tell the driver or an adult.
• Bus Seats: No writing or poking holes in the bus seats. Be respectful of school property.