National School Bus Safety Week 2023: Keeping Statesville's Kids Safe

National School Bus Safety Week is an annual event celebrated across the United States to highlight the crucial role that school buses play in the education of our children while promoting safe transportation. This week serves as an excellent opportunity for parents, teachers, students, and the community at large to come together and reinforce the importance of school bus safety measures.

Top School Bus Safety Tips for the Community:

Respect School Bus Stop Arms and Lights: School buses are equipped with stop arms and flashing lights for a reason. When you see a school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing, it means children are boarding or exiting the bus. Always come to a complete stop and wait until the bus resumes motion and turns off its lights before proceeding.

Create a Safe Loading Zone: If you have children who take the school bus, consider creating a designated loading zone at your home. This will help keep children away from traffic and ensure a safe and organized boarding process.

Report Violations: If you witness a driver who ignores the school bus stop arm or engages in dangerous behavior around school buses, report it to local law enforcement. Your vigilance can help prevent accidents and protect our children.

Stay Informed About Bus Routes and Schedules: Parents and guardians should stay informed about school bus routes and schedules. Knowing when your child's bus should arrive and depart can help ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Be Patient and Courteous: Finally, always exercise patience and courtesy when driving near school buses. Remember that the safety of our children is everyone's responsibility, and a few extra moments of caution can make all the difference.

Tips for Parents and Students:

Teach Children Safe Bus Stop Behavior: Parents and guardians can play a crucial role in teaching children safe bus stop behavior. Ensure that your child stands a safe distance away from the road while waiting for the bus, and remind them to never run towards or away from the bus.

Arrive Early: Ensure that your child arrives at the bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled pickup time to avoid rushing.

Follow Bus Rules: Remind your child to follow the bus driver's instructions and behave appropriately while on the bus.

Use Handrails: Encourage your child to use handrails when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slips and falls.

Watch for Traffic: Teach your child to look both ways before crossing the street when getting ON and OFF the bus.

National School Bus Safety Week is a valuable opportunity for the City of Statesville to reaffirm its commitment to the safety and well-being of our children.

By actively participating in safety initiatives, educating our youth, and promoting community involvement, Statesville ensures that our students have a safe and enjoyable journey to and from school. Together, we can continue to make school bus safety a top priority in our community.