Did you know that every nationwide, every school day, approximately 450,000 yellow school buses transport more than 24 million children to and from schools and school-related activities. The number of students who ride a school bus is equivalent to the combined populations of Florida, Massachusetts and Oregon.

School bus drivers are an integral part of the safe transportation of school children. While the structure of the school bus provides excellent protection in the event of a crash, it is the skill and performance of the highly trained, professional school bus driver that often prevents crashes.

Please help keep our children safe by reviewing the following safety tips for students, parents - and drivers.

School Bus Safety Tips

For students:
Be alert to traffic. Check both ways for cars before stepping off the bus.
Make eye contact with the bus driver, and wait for the bus driver's signal before crossing the street.
Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus to cross the street.
While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.
Before leaving the sidewalk, look for the flashing red lights.
Never go near or under the bus to retrieve something you've dropped.

For parents:
Have your child ride the school bus to and from school instead of driving or riding with teenage passengers.
Review the safety tips with your child regularly.
Get to know the parents of other riders. You will learn about the other children who are riding along with your child.
Team with other parents to get involved and monitor bus stops
Get to know your child's bus driver. He or she is a trained professional who sees your child every day.