Tips for National School Bus Safety Week

October 21–25 is National School Bus Safety Week. Across our district, more than 7,000 students depend on MMSD-provided transportation to get to and from school each day. With more than 100 routes in the morning and evening—that’s a lot of rides!

The bus can be a great place to make new friends and take care of last-minute prep for tests and quizzes. It’s also important for students and families to be aware of bus procedures, to ensure everyone has a safe ride to and from school. 

Here are safety tips from First Student, our yellow bus provider.

1. Stay 10 steps away from the outside of the bus at all times. If you stand too close, the bus driver can’t see you. 
    
2. Be patient when boarding and leaving the bus. It’s fun to be the first one on, but it’s more important to be safe. Stand still until the bus comes to a complete stop, and always stay in your seat while the bus is moving.
    
3. If you need to cross the street, wait for the bus driver to give you the OK signal that it’s safe to do so.
    
4. When getting on and off the bus, hold on tight to the handrail, to keep from tripping or slipping.
    
5. Once you sit down, keep both feet flat on the floor and your back against the seat. 
    
6. Keep your hands to yourself. No horseplay, roughhousing or throwing things when on the bus.
    
7. Know your emergency exits, and be aware of how to use them in the rare event of a critical situation.
    
8. Remember to use your inside voice while on the bus. This will help your bus driver stay focused on the road.