School Bus Safety

When you board or leave a bus

• Be at the bus stop before the bus comes.
• Wait in a safe place well back from the edge of the road – don’t play in ditches or on snow banks.
• Stay out of the DANGER ZONE. If you can touch the bus, you’re too close. U se 10 giants steps to take you out of the DANGER ZONE, and make sure you and the bus driver can see each other.
• Always cross the road in front of the bus, never behind.
• Look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before you cross in front of a bus.
• Walk at least 10 big steps from the front of the bus.
• Enter or exit the bus in single file. Never push or shove.
• Walk – never run – across the road.
• NEVER stop to pick up anything that you may have dropped in the DANGER ZONE. Ask an adult or the bus driver to help.

While on the bus

• Find a seat right away. Stay seated, facing forward at all times.
• Don’t put things in the aisle.
• Never distract the bus driver. Always follow his or her instructions.
• Don’t eat or drink.
• Don’t yell, push people or throw things.
• Keep your arms and head inside the bus.

Reporting Drivers Who Don’t Stop

You can report a vehicle that doesn’t stop properly for a school bus to police immediately by calling 911.

You can also go to the nearest police station and file a complaint. The police will ask you:

1. The date and time of the incident.
2. The vehicle’s make, model, colour and licence number.
3. Who was driving?
4. Was the bus a “chrome yellow” school bus with the words “School Bus” at both the front and rear of the bus?
5. Was it a small or a large school bus?
6. Was the school bus stopped?
7. Were the upper red lights of the school bus flashing while it was stopped
8. Were there passengers boarding or leaving the school bus?
9. Did the vehicle pass the school bus from behind or was it coming toward the bus in the opposite lane?

Other details can also help, such as witness accounts or photographs.