Bus Safety Information For Passengers

BUS SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS

Rules of Conduct, Safety Instruction & Bus Evacuation Drills

On Monday, August 31, 2009 First Student will provide instruction to students on bus safety and conduct bus evacuation drills at Havens, Jr.  The safety instruction will include, but is not limited to:  

• proper procedures for boarding and disembarking;
• proper use of seat belts;
• proper passenger conduct;
• location of emergency equipment;
• bus evacuation procedures (students will practice evacuating the school bus through emergency exit doors);  and
• procedures for safely crossing the street.

Starting on the first day of school, and continuing at least until the bus safety training is completed, there will be one member of the Havens staff on each bus to assist passengers with boarding and fastening seat belts. 

Before the start of school, we recommend that parents review the following general safety information with their children:  

• When waiting for the school bus, wait on the sidewalk a safe distance from the curb and have the bus pass ready to show the driver. 
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the school bus until the bus driver opens the door and gives permission to board the bus. 
• When boarding the bus, hold onto the handrails.
• Show the bus pass to the driver, then sit down and buckle the seat belt as quickly as possible so the driver can proceed to the next stop. 
• Talk quietly.  Do not shout.
• Do not distract the driver.
• Remain properly seated and buckled at all times, facing front.
• Keep heads, arms and hands inside the bus at all times. 
• Keep the aisles clear.
• Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not permitted on the bus.
• Throwing balls or objects of any kind is not permitted on the bus. 
• Do not bring anything on the bus that is not permitted at school.
• Animals, reptiles and insects (even in jars) are not permitted on the bus. 
• Do not damage, deface or tamper with the seats, seat belts or other part of the bus, and do not leave litter on the bus. 
• Be respectful and courteous to the driver and other students.
• Listen to the driver at all times and follow all safety instructions.
• Cross the street only at corners or a marked crosswalk.  Stop and look all ways before crossing.
• Watch for turning cars at all times, and be aware that cars may make a right-turn-on-red.
• Be especially alert in bad weather when visibility is reduced.  Drivers may not be able to stop quickly and cars may skid.