Safe transportation is an ongoing, daily responsibility. But, every year School Bus Safety Week in the third week of October provides a specific reminder of its importance. This article explores the purpose of School Bus Safety Week and how, together, we can keep students safe.
What is School Bus Safety Week?
During the school year, yellow school buses are everywhere, from small rural districts to busy city streets. With over 2.5 million students in Canada and 26 million students in the US relying on school buses, safety must be a priority.
School Bus Safety Week provides an opportunity to remind students, parents, drivers and communities how to keep everyone safe when travelling to and from school. Recognized in both Canada and the United States, this week is promoted by both national transportation associations and local schools.
The Importance of School Bus Safety Awareness
Although school buses are considered about nine times safer than other vehicles, delays and accidents can still happen.
School Bus Safety Week is the ideal time to consider how parents, schools and bus companies can collaborate to focus on safety. As we look to the future, new technology is providing valuable insights that can improve transportation.
Let’s take a closer look at common safety issues school bus transportation faces.
Common Issues Affecting School Bus Safety
Bus Delays
When school buses are delayed, students may be left waiting outside near busy roads or in bad weather, increasing risks to their safety.
Missed Stops
For many families, the school bus missing their stop is an all-too-common occurrence. Missed stops may result in students deciding to walk home alone, which is especially dangerous for younger children.
Next, we’ll highlight ways technology can resolve these bus safety issues and improve transportation.
Building Transportation Confidence with Technology
To keep everyone safe, it’s important to consider how schools, districts, and associations can improve their processes for the future. Here are some ways technology can help:
Driver Navigation
Transportation depends on bus drivers. This responsibility can create additional stress for drivers, especially those on new or substitute routes. To minimize delays and reduce missed stops, technology like Bustrak’s turn-by-turn driver navigation makes all the difference.
With access to hands-free directions, drivers can avoid wrong turns that create delays while preventing missed stops.
Parent App
Parents are also a crucial link in the transportation process. With technology like the Bustrak Parent App, families can track their child’s bus in real time, reducing uncertainty about arrival times. Visibility into children’s routes helps families be better prepared, minimizing delays for everyone on the route.
When their child will not be riding the bus, parents can notify their child’s school or transportation company through the Bustrak App. Providing clear, timely communication avoids missed or unnecessary stops for bus drivers.
Simplifying transportation and maintaining communication between families, schools, and bus companies helps get everyone on board with one common goal: safety.
Educating Families About School Bus Safety
School Bus Safety Week isn’t just about educating those who regularly take the bus. Sharing safety tips with parents and your school’s broader community is also a valuable opportunity.
Looking for inspiration when implementing School Bus Safety Week into your school or district? Check out the ideas below.
Share Helpful Resources
Making it easy for parents to discuss bus safety as a family is a great way to support School Bus Safety Week. Your school or district can prepare and distribute fun ways to start these conversations by creating coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, or other activities centered around bus safety.
Bus Safety Presentations
Memorable, interactive presentations at school about bus safety are unique experiences for students, helping them to remember what they’ve learned. Skits, songs, or videos are all options for getting students involved and making the topic fun.
Understand What Safeguards are in Place
Instead of only highlighting the potential hazards and issues with school transportation, it’s also beneficial to help families understand what safeguards are in place to protect their children. During School Bus Safety Week, take time to explain how your school or district’s transportation strategy is centered around safety.
Knowing that administrators think proactively is a can help build confidence in your transportation system, while also keeping parents informed.
Equip Parents to Use Tech Well
If your school or district has implemented tech or software to address common bus problems, equip parents to use these tools well. Set-up guides and FAQ sessions can increase adoption of your technology solutions, making your investment worthwhile.
Getting Your Community Involved
Families aren’t the only ones who play a role in keeping students safe. Use social media, school newsletters, outdoor signage and more to bring attention to the purpose of School Bus Safety Week in your community.
Let’s take a look at some key safety reminders you can share with everyone, including students.
Bus Safety Reminders for Communities
Consider sharing these key highlights with your school’s families and community to encourage safe driving practices.
Stay alert when driving, especially in school zones. Watch for children who may be waiting to board the bus.
Be prepared to stop when driving behind or approaching an oncoming school bus.
When a school bus driving directly ahead of you activates its flashing red lights, stop five car lengths behind it.
When an oncoming school bus activates its flashing red lights, stop a few car lengths away. Leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle for children to cross.
Remain stopped until the bus has deactivated its flashing overhead lights, stop sign and crossing arm. Check that it’s safe before you start driving again.
Bus Safety Reminders for Students
Here’s a helpful acronym to help students remember school bus safety: SAFE!
S – Stand away from the curb or roadway while waiting for the bus.
A – Always wait for the bus to completely stop before approaching to board.
F – Face forward once seated on the bus. Don’t switch seats while the bus is in motion.
E – Exit the bus only after it has stopped completely. Once outside the bus, wait for your bus driver to signal that it’s safe for you to cross.
Schools can also share reminders on social media to inform parents of School Bus Safety Week, helping facilitate at-home conversations about staying safe around school buses.
Transportation Safety is a Daily Responsibility
Keeping students safe is a combined effort between parents, bus drivers, schools, and administrators. Regularly talking about safety and participating in School Bus Safety Week will remind students and communities that awareness is crucial. Recognizing School Bus Safety Week is just one way we can work together to create a safer future for students.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance your transportation strategy and commit to student safety, implementing new technology is a great place to start. You can learn more about Bustrak and its value for everyone involved in transportation here.
If you have questions about how Bustrak can improve transportation through route management and communication features, please contact us.
