Safety Tips from a School Bus Driver

It is that time of year again when school buses are out and about, picking up children who are waiting patiently on the edge of the road for their lift to school.

Connie Erickson, a bus driver and transportation coordinator for the Mill River Unified Union School District in Rutland County, VT, has over 8 years of experience picking up and dropping off the school children in her district. We thought we’d ask her to share some insights and basic points for drivers and bus riders to consider this school year and always.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of where the bus is and where the children are waiting for the bus,” said Connie. “I hope people will take some of these tips to heart and help us keep all our school children safe."

Here are some tips for drivers:

• When the yellow amber lights come on, drivers need to stop
• When the red lights come on, children are moving and some of them cross the road
• Remember that on all roads, one lane or multiple lanes, traffic must stop in all lanes and in both directions
• Do not start driving again until the red lights are completely off

It is also necessary for children to be aware of ways they can keep themselves safe when they are waiting for the bus. Here are a few tips for Moms, Dads, Guardians and Caregivers and their children:

• Do not play around while waiting for the bus
• If you and your child can't see the bus clearly coming down the road, please let your bus driver know
• Remind your kids to form a line when you see the bus coming and wait for your bus driver to tell you it is safe to get on the bus
• And please, if you see kids pushing each other, remind them it’s not safe and there’s room for everyone on the bus

Here are important safety tips for children to be aware of while they are riding inside the bus:

• Children need to get to their seats quickly so the driver can shut off the red lights and get traffic moving again
• When seated, please make sure all body parts stay inside the seat. That includes arms, hands, legs, feet and most importantly, heads!
• Do not stand up while the bus is moving
• Do not change seats while the bus is moving
• Stay in assigned seats
• Use inside voices while on the bus
• There is no eating on the bus
• Finally, there is no fighting on the bus

Bus drivers work hard during the school year to keep our kids safe during all sorts of difficult conditions. Please teach your kids to treat their bus drivers with respect by modeling it for your kids.

From stressful road conditions, noisy students, unexpected weather, and demanding schedules, it’s the responsibility of bus drivers to ensure every child gets to and from school safely, but they can’t do it alone. Let’s all do our part to ensure a safe and happy school year!

Written by Connie Erickson, a bus driver and transportation coordinator for the Mill River Unified Union School District.