Arriving at the Pick-up Point

1. Be on time. Leave home in time to get to the bus stop at least five (10) minutes before the school bus
arrives. THE BUS WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU.
2. If other students are waiting at the bus stop, get in line without crowding or pushing and stay off the road.
Never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
Crossing a Road To Get To Your Bus Stop
1. If you have to cross the road to reach your bus stop, stand on the opposite side of the road from the bus stop
and wait for the bus to arrive.
2. Watch for the bus driver’s signal that it’s safe, check for traffic, and then cross the road at least 12 feet in
front of the bus and ahead of the extended crossing arm.
3. Look left and right as you cross the road. At an intersection, look in all directions and watch for turning
vehicles as they may not see you.
4. Always cross the road at right angles; don’t cut across on an angle.
5. Walk quickly across the road but DO NOT RUN.
6. NEVER cross the road BEHIND the school bus.

Getting On the Bus

1. Ride only on your assigned bus and use the assigned or designated bus stop.
2. Line up in single file with younger students in the front so that they can board first.
3. Wait in line until the bus has stopped and the bus entrance door is fully open. Wait for the bus driver’s signal
to board the bus.
4. Board the bus quickly, but don’t crowd or push other students.
5. NEVER run onto the bus as the steps may be slippery, especially in rainy weather or in the winter. Place your
foot squarely on the steps, not the edges and use the handrail.
6. Be careful getting onto the bus if you are carrying books or other items because it’s harder to see the steps
and hold the handrail.
7. Go directly to your seat, face forward in the seat, and sit well to the back of the seat. DO NOT sit on the edge
of the seat. Keep the center aisle of the bus clear.
8. If the bus is equipped with seat belts be sure to use the seat belt. It should be snug across your lap, but not
tight.

Conduct on the Bus

1. Obey the Bus Driver. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students.
2. Treat the bus driver and other riders with courtesy and respect.
3. Stay in your assigned seat for the entire trip and wear your seat belt (if available) at all times.
4. Keep the aisle clear by placing books and other items on your lap or under the seat. Sit forward in the seat -
your legs should not be in the aisle.
5. Do not distract the driver and avoid any unnecessary discussion with the driver.
6. Avoid doing anything that might distract the driver or interfere with his or her driving.
7. Don’t yell or talk loudly. Use of profanity is not permitted.
8. Don’t open windows without the bus driver’s permission.
9. Do not throw anything inside the bus or out the window. You could hurt another passenger or pedestrian, or
create dangerous situation for another driver.
10. Except in an emergency, don’t touch the emergency door or exits or any part of the bus equipment unless
directed to do so by the bus driver.
11. Don’t eat or drink on the bus. Use of tobacco products, including vaping products, is prohibited.
12. Obey the bus driver’s instructions promptly. Remember: Your cooperation will help keep everyone safe.
13. Prohibited items on the bus include, but are not limited to: weapons of any kind, balloons, large and/or bulky
packages, large musical instruments, animals, sharp objects, and skateboards.

Getting Off the Bus

1. Stay in your seat until the bus has stopped and the bus entrance door is fully open. Wait for the bus driver’s
signal to exit the bus.
2. Use the handrail when exiting the bus. Use extra caution in rainy weather or in the winter when the steps
may be wet or slippery.
3. Be extra careful around the Danger Zones of the bus (see picture below).
4. Move quickly away from the school bus to a safe location.

Crossing a Roadway After Getting Off the Bus

1. If you have to cross the road after getting off the bus, walk along the edge of the road until you are at least
12 feet in front of the bus, ahead of the extended crossing arm. Then, walk to the left front side of the bus,
stop, and LOOK BOTH WAYS to make sure that traffic has stopped and that it’s safe to cross the road. Watch
for the bus driver’s signal that it’s safe, check for traffic again, and cross the road.
2. Look left and right as you cross. At an intersection look in all directions and watch for turning vehicles as
they may not see you.
3. Always cross the road at right angles; don’t cut across on an angle.
4. Walk quickly across the road but DO NOT RUN.
5. NEVER cross the road BEHIND the school bus.