Red Cross offers school bus safety tips

School bells will be calling students back to the classroom soon and the American Red Cross wants to make sure every student is safe as they head back to school for the upcoming academic year.

“While safety is a top priority for all students, there are special steps for parents of younger kids and those headed to school for the first time,” said Alex Dieffenbach, CEO of the Northwest Region of the Red Cross. “Make sure each child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.”

School Bus

Safety

• If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.

• Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

• Teach your student to board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on.

• Kids should board their bus only, never an alternate one.

• Make sure your student always stays in clear view of the bus driver and never walks behind the bus.