Most children injured by school buses are not riding one; they are outside or around the bus, where drivers can’t see them.

School bus safety tips

Safest way to cross the street

• Crossing rules: Look left, then right, then left again
• Always cross at the corner, in the crosswalk
• Never cross between parked cars

At the bus stop

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early so you don’t have to rush.
• Wait until the school bus makes a complete stop, the door has opened and the red safety lights are flashing.
• Make sure nothing is loose or dragging that can get caught in the doors.
• If you drop something near or under the bus, never go after it. Instead, tell the bus driver.
• Do not stand in the street to wait for the bus.

Before you step off the school bus

• Make sure nothing is hanging from your bag that may get caught on the handrail.
• Look for cars before you step off the bus and make sure they are stopped.
• Be sure the bus driver sees you before you walk across the street. Most drivers will let you know when it’s OK to go.
• Beware of the danger zone: 10 feet all around the bus. The driver can’t see you in the danger zone.

Our pedestrian safety information offers more tips to stay safe while walking to school or the bus stop.

Download our Bus Safety brochure

Our Bus Safety brochure is available for download in multiple languages:

• English
• Cambodian
• Chinese
• Spanish
• Vietnamese