Is your little one going back to school or starting school for the very first time? Be sure to school them on proper bus stop etiquette!

With their flashing lights, gigantic mirrors and, of course, the classic and unmistakable bright yellow paint job, school buses are safer than passenger vehicles by design. Because of this, students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway of Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

More than 25 million students across the U.S. begin and end their school day with a trip on the bus, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Even so, the greatest risk to your child is not actually riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one.    

Is your little one going back to school or starting school for the very first time? Be sure to school them on proper bus stop etiquette! Visit the area before the big day and show them where to wait and what to expect.

Teach your kiddos these basic bus stop practices to help make school bus transportation safer this year:

1. When waiting for the bus to arrive, stand at least three giant steps (or about six feet) away from the curb.     
2. Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
3. Never run or play while waiting for the bus.   
4. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens and the driver gives the okay before approaching the bus door.     
5. Always use the handrails to avoid tripping or falling.
6. Never walk behind the school bus.
7. If crossing the street in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet ahead and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
8. Never attempt to pick up a dropped item, like a pencil or book, around the outside of the school bus before alerting the driver first.

With these tips, bussing back to school should be a breeze!

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