August 30, 2012

PISCOPO: SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

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With students around the state headed back to school for another year this week and next I want to remind children, parents and all commuters on the area roads of some basic and necessary school bus safety tips.

Every day more than 330,000 Connecticut children are transported to and from school in a school bus. When school is in session, drivers should be sure to drive with EXTRA caution. The following are safety tips for motorists, parents, and children.

• When at the bus stop children should always walk to the bus stop not run. Walk on the sidewalk at all times and if there is no sidewalk walk on the left facing traffic.
• Try to be at your designated bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive to avoid missing the stop. While at the bus stop, wait in a safe place away from the road please do not run and play while waiting for the bus pick-up.

• At the bus stop avoid speaking to strangers and never get into a car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell you parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

• While waiting for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended, and cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.

Once you get on the bus go directly to a seat and remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride.

You can talk quietly but do not distract the driver. If you need to talk to the bus driver: wait for the bus to stop, raise your hand, and call the driver’s name. Never throw things on the bus or out the windows and keep the aisles of the bus clear at all times.
Also never play with the emergency exits and if there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow their instructions.

• When you get off the bus make sure you walk (not run) three more steps away from the door. This is the best place to be around a bus. Stay away from the bus wheels and watch out for moving cars!

• Once you get off the bus, go straight home so an adult will know where you are. Only get on and off the bus at your designated stop. If you need to get off the bus somewhere else, you will need to have a note from your parents.

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

For motorists on the road with school buses please watch your speed and slow down. Remember with school buses on the road it means more children close to the roadways.

• It is important to be especially careful when driving on neighborhood streets and around school zones, always expect the unexpected. Drivers need to be on the alert for youngsters walking to and from school as you back out of your driveway or leave your parking garage.

• Make sure you stop your car completely when you see lights flashing on a school bus. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Don’t start driving until the red lights stop flashing. Be aware that a child may dash across the street.

I hope some of these safety tips have been helpful. If you would like to comment on this column or other issues of concern to you please do so by contacting my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visiting my website www.cthousegop.com. I would love to hear from you.