- Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
- Get to the bus stop at least five minutes early.
- When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
- Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped to a complete standstill and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
- Wait for the signal from the driver before approaching the bus.
- Enter the bus in single file.
- When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
- Do not throw anything out of the windows.
- Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other learners.
- Listen carefully when the driver or teacher shows you where the emergency exits are.
- Keep aisles clear — books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
- Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
- At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the door and exit.
- If possible ask the driver to drop you off in front of your gate.
- Never crawl under a bus.
- If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 3 metres ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross. When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
- Do not cross the center-line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
- Stay away from the bus’s rear wheels at all times.
- Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.
It is also suggested that parents review with their children the correct way to cross the street.
- Youngsters should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look right, then left, and then right again before crossing.
- They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
- Older learners must look after the younger ones.
If students’ vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look right-left-right again.