As the new school year kicks off in the Quad Cities soon, drivers will see more school buses on the road. Everyone wants their child to get to school safely, and the journey to and from school is one of the most important times to be aware of safety. This is something parents and drivers on the road need to consider. This is why our team of Quad Cities personal injury attorneys want to remind you of some essential school bus safety tips for drivers, parents, and children.
School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers
- Follow traffic laws: when driving near school zones or during school hours, make sure to drive carefully and follow traffic laws. Avoid speeding and pay attention to traffic signs.
- Always stop for the school bus: you must always stop regardless of which direction you’re coming from when you see a school bus stopped with the stop arm extended.
- Maintain a safe distance: keep a safe distance from the school bus to help prevent rear-end collisions while the bus is making stops.
- Avoid distractions: while avoiding distractions is important any time you’re behind the wheel, it is imperative when driving near school buses and in school zones to help prevent accidents.
- Be mindful of bus stops: be cautious around bus stops, as children may not always follow traffic rules. Watch out for kids darting into the road.
- Use signals and blinkers: always use your signals and blinkers to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Plan your route: if you plan on driving through a school zone or during pickup or drop-off times, plan your drive accordingly. Leave early or later to avoid further traffic congestion.
- Watch out for pedestrians and bicycles: along with children getting in and out of school buses and other vehicles, also be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicycles.
School Bus Safety Tips for Parents
- Teach your children school bus safety: this is especially important if your child has never ridden the school bus. Teach them to wait at a safe distance from the road while waiting for the bus and to follow the driver’s instructions. Also, remind them of basic safety rules, like looking both ways when crossing the street.
- Arrive early: make sure to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early to avoid rushing, which can increase the chance of an accident.
- Wait with your young children: if your child is younger or has never ridden a school bus, consider waiting with them at the bus stop until the bus arrives and the doors are open. This also helps ease any first-day jitters.
- Use sidewalks: encourage your child to use sidewalks when walking to and from the bus stop and to cross the road only at designated crossings.
- Report unsafe conditions: if you see any dangerous conditions on the bus, report them to the school immediately.
School Bus Safety Tips for Children
- Stand back: always stand at least six feet from the curb while waiting for the bus. Avoid roughhousing or pushing near the road.
- Stay seated: once on the bus, find a seat quickly and remain seated for the entire journey. This prevents unnecessary movement that could lead to accidents.
- Use handrails: instruct children to use the handrails when getting on and off the bus to prevent a slip and fall accident.
- Know how to exit the bus: wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing up.
- Do not play on the bus: teach your child the importance of respectful behavior on the bus. Bullying, teasing, and rough play are not allowed and can distract the driver.
- Stay visible: instruct children to wait for the bus in a well-lit area where the bus driver can easily see them. Also, make sure children always stay within the bus driver’s line of sight. Buses have blind spots, so children should avoid lingering where the driver might not see them.
- Keep the aisles clear: backpacks and belongings should be kept out of the bus aisle to ensure a clear path for walking.
Injured in a School Bus Accident? Contact WKC Law
We hope everyone in the Quad Cities has a safe and successful school year. Following these school bus safety tips can help create a safe environment for your child and others during the school commute. Even if you follow these guidelines, that does not mean everyone else will. If you or your child are injured in a bus accident due to the negligent or reckless actions of another, contact a Quad Cities bus accident lawyer today.
Our team of caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience serving clients in the Quad Cities, including Rock Island, Davenport, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, and Knox counties in Illinois or Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Cedar, and Jackson counties in Iowa.
To get started on your free case consultation, contact us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.