Bus and Bus Stop Safety Tips

Important information for all students and parents

Each new school year brings with it a sense of optimism and hope for all the victories that will transpire in the coming year. It also brings a wonderful opportunity to review procedures and safety tips – particularly when it comes to riding the bus and waiting at bus stops.

Due to significant budget reductions over the past few years, we are streamlining operations within our Transportation Department this year. Many bus stops will be consolidated into community stop locations which may require students to walk a little further to the bus stop.

We appreciate the entire community working with us to ensure the safe transportation to and from school for all students. Your support in this transition is greatly appreciated. And remember, the safest bus stops are those with parental supervision.

Below is a list of safety tips provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Please review these with your child…and make it the best - and safest – school year ever.

Walking to the Bus Stop

Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.

Go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.

Getting On and Off the Bus

Enter the bus in line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs

When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.

Riding the Bus

Always speak quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is coming.

Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and book bags should be kept on your lap. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits.

Never play with the emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

Hands should be kept to yourself at all times while riding on the bus. Fighting and picking on others creates a dangerous bus ride.

Exiting the Bus

If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and she may begin moving the bus.

Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that they do not get caught on the handrail or the door.

Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you.

Always cross the street in from of the bus. Never go behind the bus. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.

Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

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Durham Public Schools - One Vision. One Durham

Personal tools

Bus and Bus Stop Safety Tips

Walking to the Bus Stop

Getting On and Off the Bus

Riding the Bus

Exiting the Bus