It’s National School Bus Safety Week

“Be Aware — Cross With Care” is the slogan for the week of October 22–26, National School Bus Safety Week. Across the country, school bus drivers are reminding students, parents, and the community about bus safety.

“We ask everyone to show extra care and promote safety for all of our children,” said Phil Carroll, a longtime Newtown bus driver. “We would like to say thank you to all the parents and school officials who promote school bus safety every day.”

Mr Carroll and his fellow drivers who like to remind people of a few things to keep in mind that will help keep students safe at all times:

*Follow the bus rules.

*Be at the bus stop early.

*If you have to cross the road to board the bus, look at the driver for his or her signal that it is safe to do so.

*Always cross only in front of the bus.

And, for motorists:

*Drivers must stop when flashing lights are on — even in the school yard.

*Watch for children at bus stops.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation offers a variety of activities and information for parents, teachers, and students on its website, napt.org.

Some of the safety tips NAPT offers include:

*The bus driver and others cannot see you if you are standing closer than ten feet to the bus. Stay out of the danger zone!

*If something falls under or near the bus, tell the driver. Never try to pick it up yourself.

*While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.

*When you get on or off the bus, look for the bus safety lights and make sure they are flashing.

*Be alert to traffic. When you get off the bus, look left, right, left before you enter or cross the street.

*Stay in your seat and sit quietly so that the driver is not distracted.

*Some school buses now have seat belts. If you have seat belts on your school bus, be sure to learn to use the seat belt correctly.