National School Bus Safety Week is scheduled to take place between October 19 through 23, 2015. If you are a parent of a school-aged child, make sure you remind your young one of these safety tips during National School Bus Safety Week to aid in reducing the occurrence of bus accidents.
Wait in a Safe Place
One of the most important components of school bus safety is waiting for the bus in a safe location. Your child’s waiting spot should ideally look like this.
- In an area where he or she is visible to vehicles
- Where he or she is a safe distance from the road
- Has adequate lighting
Children should also refrain from roughhousing, playing, or running when waiting for the school bus to arrive.
How to Cross the Street Near a Bus
In the event that your child needs to cross in front of a bus to reach his or her destination, s/he should do so safely. To prevent an accident from occurring, make sure the following are practiced.
- Don’t cross behind a bus
- Cross in front of the bus, but not so close to the bus that a driver cannot see you (10 feet out from the front)
- Inform the bus driver of your intent to cross prior to actually crossing
Enter and Exit Safely
Slip and fall accidents can happen when a child is entering or exiting the bus. While many of these accidents don’t result in injuries at all, or injuries that are only minor, others can be devastating.
Talk to your child about entering and exiting the bus safely.
- Looking at where you are going
- Putting away distracting items when entering and exiting (like cell phones)
- Not playing while boarding or exiting the bus
- Using a handrail if available
Read so much more information on school bus-related statistics and stories at the Cordisco & Saile LLC bus accidents blog.
Practice Good Behavior While Riding
Waiting for the bus, entering, and exiting the bus aren’t the only times that children need to act with caution; riding the bus itself can be dangerous if children don’t listen to bus driver’s instructions or remain in their seats. Talk to your child about remaining seated unless otherwise instructed to do so, and paying attention to all bus rules.
What to Do if Your Child is Harmed in a School Bus Accident
Acting safely around school buses can reduce your child’s likelihood of being involved in an accident. In the event than an accident does occur, though, the Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you determine who is liable and file a suit for compensation. You’re not alone: call a personal injury lawyer today to learn more at 215-642-2335.
