DANGER ZONE

Bus drivers can not see anything in the danger zone area pictured above.  Please teach your children to stay at least 4 feet away from buses at all times.  To cross the street, go at least 4 feet in front of the bus and stand still as you look at the driver.  Wait until he/she gives the 'thumbs up' gesture to signal it is safe to cross.  Remind them if they drop something while crossing, do not stop to pick it up.  Continue to cross, then ask the bus driver to help retrieve it.

As I rode the mid-day kindergarten bus today, I realized this is a procedure we need to practice, practice, practice.  The new buses do not have the safety bar that use to swing way out in front of the bus as a reminder that the driver can not see directly in front of the hood.  Parents, please talk with your children about the above danger zone and model how to wait for the "thumbs up"signal  (more than once today, I saw a parent help their child on the bus then run back across the street without checking to see if the driver could see them).  Picture how difficult it is for a driver to monitor forty children behind them, while also keeping track of who is crossing in front of them.

Stay away from the 'Danger Zone'

First Student Bus Company's outreach educator, Cheri Gibbons, provided a special safety presentation for students in grades k-2.  In this picture, she is explaining about the 'danger zone', which is the area around the bus that the driver can not see you.  Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Sarah Angell, used red and yellow tape on the floor to create a visual of the danger zone.  Students learned a number of safety tips, including the importance of looking for the 'thumbs up' signal from the driver before crossing the street.

Parents can help reinforce bus safety rules by reminding children to stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop, and modeling how to look for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus.  Never cross behind the bus since it is part of the danger zone.

Note:  A bar swings out over the danger zones in front of the bus when the stop sign is out.   Look for the driver's signal and then walk beyond the bar so the driver can see you.