FONDA — The following is from the Montgomery Public Health, 20 Park St., according to a news release.
The National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 19 through 23. This year the theme is “Red Lights Mean Stop!”
The NSBS week event, held during the third full week of October each year, is a public education program and a way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
The following are tips to keep children safe at the bus stop.
Getting ready for school:
∫ Have children put everything they carry in their backpack so they won’t drop things on their way.
∫ The children should wear bright, contrasting colors so they can be more easily seen by drivers.
∫ Be sure children leave home on time or at least five minutes early; running after or in front of a bus is dangerous.
Walking to the bus stop:
∫ Walk young children to the bus stop or walk in groups of students. There is safety in numbers and the driver can see groups of children easier.
∫ Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk stay out of the street. If children must walk in the street, walk in single file, face traffic and stay close to the edge of the road.
∫ If a child must cross the street, stop look left, look right and then left again.
At the bus stop:
∫ Children should wait in a location where the driver can see them when coming to the bus stop, try to avoid waiting in the house or car.
∫ Children should be watching for the bus, no playing ball or with other toys, which includes electronic devices or cell phones which can cause a distraction.
Getting on and off the bus:
∫ Warn children if they drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow driver’s instructions.
∫ If a parent is to meet their child at the bus stop, wait on the same side the bus is dropping them off. This will avoid crossing the street when not necessary.
Also keep in mind — some children may be walking or riding a bike to school instead of taking the bus. Be alert; children often are unpredictable; they tend to ignore hazards and may take risks.
