School Bus Rules: Drivers, Children, Getting On and Off, Behavior During The Ride

Tomorrow, Aug. 29, is the first day of school. If you didn’t already know this, make sure your K-6 child is aware of these rules.

From the Orange Board of Education Website:

Bus Stop Safety / Getting on

Children should arrive at the bus stop approx. five minutes before bus arrives. This is not a play time. Children should remain off the road. Children should line up – kindergarten to sixth grade – with the older children watching carefully for traffic. The oldest child will wait for the signal from the bus driver and direct the line when to step up after the bus has come to a complete stop. Children should step up, one at a time, use hand rail, and go directly to a seat.

Children who have to cross a road do not proceed until the bus driver signals children to pass.

Children cross approximately 5 – 10 feet in front of the school bus. Children who drop objects should not stoop to pick items up. Children should inform bus driver and the driver will supervise collecting of dropped items.

Bus Rules

The children are expected to:

1. Remain seated while bus is moving
2. Not shout, fight, or rough play
3. Conduct themselves in a manner which presents no danger to themselves or others
4. Not bring pets or breakable items on the school bus
5. Not eat snacks or chew gum, etc. on the school bus
6. Show respect for fellow students and the bus driver
7. Keep all aisles and emergency exits clear (NO backpacks blocking exits)

The bus driver is expected to:

1. Maintain order while treating the children in a respectful, cooperative manner
2. Refer violators to the principal or his/her designee

Bus Stop Safety / Getting Off

Children should remain seated until the bus stops. Children should line up in the bus aisle, get off one at a time, and use the hand rails. Children who have to cross the road should wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing. They should cross 5 – 10 feet in front of the bus. . Children who drop objects should not stoop to pick items up. Children should inform bus driver and the driver will supervise collecting of dropped items.

Tips from the CT Dept. of Transportation

You and I

• Slow down.

• Be especially careful when driving on neighborhood streets and around school zones, always expect the unexpected.

• Be alert for youngsters walking to and from school as you back out of your driveway or leave your parking garage.

• We want school children to be safe. Watch for them on bicycles, especially at intersections and driveways. Young bicyclists have a tendency to dart out of driveways without looking for traffic.

• Stop your car when you see lights flashing on a school bus. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Don’t start driving until the red lights stop flashing. Be aware that a child may dash across the street.

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