1000 SW Jackson
Suite 230
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-1223
(785) 296-8645 (FAX)

Coordinator:
Jan Stegelman

Executive Committee:
Randall Bolin
NHTSA Region VII

Dennis Cooley, MD
Medical Advisor
American Academy of
Pediatrics, Kansas
Chapter

John Drees
Douglas County
SAFE KIDS Coalition

Vanda Easley
State Farm Insurance
Companies

Jim Keating
Kansas State
Firefighters Association

Elena Nuss
Kansas State
Fire Marshal's Office

Cindy Samuelson
Kansas Hospital Association

Safety Tips for School Bus Safety Week - October 17-23

Often, public attention focuses on kids injured at school through violence, overlooking the concerns of getting kids there and back safely. Studies indicate school-age children are nine times more likely to sustain an unintentional injury than to be the victim of school violence. And though riding the bus is one of the safest ways to travel to and from school, injuries do occur.

"The school bus is a place where children begin and end the school day, so it's important that parents and caregivers take the time to teach and review essential safety guidelines with them," said Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "Whether they ride a few times a year or ten times a week, kids need to be accountable for their behavior and understand the hazards on our nation's roads and highways."

About 23.5 million students ride school buses daily. Each year, 30 children ages 14 and under are killed in school bus-related incidents, and an estimated 4,500 children are injured. Of those who are non-fatally injured in school bus accidents, 90 percent are occupants.

Many injuries happen when children are boarding or exiting the bus. A blind spot extends approximately 10 feet around the bus, obstructing the driver's view. Children are not aware of this blind spot and might mistakenly believe that if they can see the bus, the bus driver can see them. Kansas SAFEKIDS offers these important tips to keep children safe in and around busses:

Waiting for the Bus

A child's behavior at the bus stop is an important aspect of school bus safety. Parents need to remind children of these safety tips while waiting for the bus:

• Arrive at the stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.
• Stay out of the street and avoid horseplay.
• Cross the street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus. Maintain eye contact with the bus driver to get an "all clear" before moving out into the street. Look left, right and left again while crossing the street. Many cars disregard school bus warning lights.

Boarding and Leaving the Bus

Pedestrians account for more than 40 percent of school bus-related fatalities. Many of these injuries occur when boarding or leaving the bus. That is why children should always:

• Walk in a single-file line.
• Use the handrail to avoid falls.
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching it.
• Exit from the front of the bus after it comes to a complete stop.
• Always wait for parents on the same side of the street as the school bus loading/unloading zone.
• Be aware of the driver's blind spot (10 feet all around the bus) when walking away from the bus.
• Remove loose drawstrings or ties on jackets and sweatshirts, and replace with Velcro, snaps or buttons. Loose drawstrings or book bags can snag on bus handrails.
• Always ask the bus driver for help if anything is dropped while entering or exiting the bus.

Sitting on the Bus

While on the bus, children should observe the following safety rules:

• Remain seated at all times and keep the aisles clear.
• Do not throw objects.
• Do not shout or distract the driver.
• Keep heads and arms inside the bus at all times.

For more information on child safety, or to order a copy of SAFE KIDS magazine with more tips on keeping your kids safe, visit www.safekids.org

Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit Coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Rice, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties, as well as Chanute, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, and Wichita.