October 17-21 is National School Bus Safety Week. All are welcome aboard, with the first stop: safety! This education program invites interested parties to address the importance of school bus safety. As parents, caregivers, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators and community members, we all have a role to play. Bus drivers are especially important, and we look forward to celebrating School Bus Driver Appreciation Day this Wednesday, October 19.

Tips for National School Bus Safety Week

Getting ready for school.

Children should carry items in a backpack so they won’t drop things along the way. They will be more easily seen by drivers if wearing bright, contrasting colours.

Walking to the bus stop.

Children should always use the sidewalk, or if they must use the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as possible. They must stop and look in both directions when crossing the street.

At the bus stop.

Children should wait in a location where the driver can see them. They should be reminded that it’s unsafe to play in the street, including with balls or toys that could roll into the roadway.

Getting on and off the bus.

Children should always look right before they step off the bus. If they drop something, they should wait for the driver to instruct them on how to retrieve it.

Thank you for recognizing the importance of National School Bus Safety Week so all children can travel safely from home to classroom!