1. Nearly two-thirds of school bus related fatalities of school-age children occur outside of the school bus.
2. One-third of those children are between 5 and 7 years old.
3. More school-age pedestrians are killed from 7 – 8 a.m. and 3 – 4 p.m. than any other times of day.
4. Passing vehicles cause an estimated two-thirds of school bus loading and unloading fatalities.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE
While the school bus is the safest way to travel to and from school, children still need to be careful as they get on and off the bus. Obstructed views and distracted drivers put kids at risk, which is why it’s important that parents teach them ways to stay safe.

■ The most dangerous area around the school bus is within a 10-foot radius on all sides. Show children how and when to stay at a safe distance.
■ Younger children should be supervised at the bus stop.
■ Children who rush are particularly vulnerable, so make sure to get to the bus stop early.
■ Show children how to stay three giant steps away from the road until the school bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens.
■ Children should never walk behind the school bus.
■ Children who cross in front of the school bus should stay at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from it and make sure that the bus driver sees them before they step off the curb.                                                                                                                ■ Teach children to wait until no cars are coming from either direction before they can cross the street.
■ Tell children that conversations and play time have to wait until they are safely seated, or safely away from the school bus.
■ Children should use handrails when getting on and off the school bus and secure any loose or hanging objects, like straps or drawstrings.
■ If a child drops something outside the school bus, tell them to NEVER try to pick it up and to tell the driver.
■ Children should not yell while riding the school bus. The bus driver needs to be able to hear other vehicles on the road.

RISKS FROM MOTORISTS
Motorists break the law and risk children’s lives when they fail to stop for the school bus as it loads and unloads its passengers. Yet it’s estimated that over 10 million drivers illegally pass school buses every year.

Let others know that putting kids’ lives at risk is not OK.
Report aggressive drivers and those who fail to obey stop-arm laws to local authorities.
Encourage your community to take a pledge to brake for the school bus.

Play it safe. Respect the ride.