Staying Safe at the Bus Stop
Using a school bus is part of the weekday routine for over 70,000 children living in regional and rural Victoria. Bus travel is one of the safest ways to travel to school, but accidents can happen – and helping your children to learn how to stay safe on and around buses is still important.
The Victorian Government’s Stay Bus Safe Around the Bus Stop initiative aims to ensure students who use the rural bus network each day continue to travel safely.
These simple steps can help reduce safety risks around buses and bus stops. Encourage your kids to:
Stop:
Stay well back from the edge of the road and wait for the bus to leave.
Look:
In all directions for approaching traffic, after the bus has gone. Make sure you have a clear view of the road.
Listen:
In all directions for approaching traffic.
Think:
About when it is safe to cross, and only cross when the road is clear.
When waiting for the bus children should:
- Stay well back from the edge of the road
- Not run or play near the bus stop
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before they approach
When travelling on the bus children must:
- Stay seated, if a seat is available, and use seatbelts if fitted
- Not distract the driver
- Keep the aisle clear of bags
When getting off the bus children should:
- Stay well back from the edge of the road and wait for the bus to leave
- Never cross in front of, or behind, the bus
- Only cross the road when the bus has gone and they have a clear view of the road in both directions
- Never wear earphones or talk on their mobile phone when trying to cross, as they may not hear approaching traffic
- When picking up your children from the bus, wait on the same side of the road that the bus drops them off and meet your children at the bus stop. This reduces the risk of them running across the road to meet you without checking the road first.
But it’s not just bus passengers who need to be aware of the dangers. All road users have a role to play in keeping children and other pedestrians safe, so if you’re driving around buses there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- All school buses can be identified by the universal school children symbol or school bus sign
- In addition, yellow flashing warning lights are located at the front and rear of most country school buses contracted to the Victorian Government. The lights flash on and off when children are getting on or off the bus
- Children can be unpredictable and may attempt to cross the road when it is unsafe. Always slow down when approaching a school bus and prepare to stop if necessary.
More information
For more information, or to download a copy of the brochure, visit the Department’s website.