u/Jamjams2016

I am a school bus driver and a mom. I am pretty active on my local Facebook Mom groups and I see a lot of complaints about buses. I would love to answer questions that are relevant and I hope I can reach some parents so we can all keep the kids on and around the bus safe. I think parents are really our first defense when it comes to bus safety and I have also noticed they are the last ones to get any sort of training or tips!

I live in the state of NY. If you are reading this from another state, first of all, heck yes! I happy I can inform parents all over. Secondly, some laws will not be the same for you. There are three bodies that make laws and recommendations in NYS, one is the NYSDMV, obviously they have no power over my friends in Texas or any other states.

🚌 Following distance is 6 to 8 seconds on a clear, good weather day at 55 mph, 4 seconds at slower speeds. Please do not get in this space! The bus weighs about 26,000 pounds. It cannot stop on a dime even with a perfect reaction time from a (probably) distracted driver.

🚌 Drivers cannot see up to 400 feet behind the bus. They can't see people, cars, bikes, kids. Do not go behind a bus, especially if their reverse audibles are on.

🚌 There is a 15 foot danger zone all the way around the bus. The driver CANNOT see you. If you drop something in the danger zone get the driver's attention. Do not assume they see you. They do not see you.

🚌 The most dangerous time of a student's school day is loading and unloading from the bus. Make sure they are looking both ways before they step into the street and that they immediately get away from the bus.

🚌 K through 3 students are the most likely to be killed by their own bus. They are impulsive and easily distracted. Their vision and hearing are not fully formed until they are 7, providing extra challenges. They are also smaller, making them harder to see.

🚌 Safe crossing. Take 12 big steps away from the bus. Turn 90° and take 15 to 20 big steps forward. Stop. Make eye contact with the driver. Look for the crossing signal. Return to where you came from IMMEDIATELY if you hear their horn. When you cross the bus, take a quick look both ways and continue WALKING to the other side of the road.

🚌 On the bus safety includes teaching your kids how to sit (bottom to bottom, back to back is a common phrase), using inside voices, being silent at railroad crossings, and using the handrail. I have my own kids and I know how challenging sitting correctly at 4 and 5 is, but any help in that regard is appreciated! Repetition is key, of course.

🚌 There should be no eating on the bus. It is a rule set by DOT due to the choking hazard and possible allergies. Remember, the bus driver does not know anyone's allergies due to HIPPA so we can't be sure every student will be fine if Joey eats his roasted peanuts.

🚌 Parents, please make sure your school district is doing their bus safety student training and emergency drills. In NY it must be done 3 times a year for every single student. Talk to your kids and say something if you find out it isn't being done.

🚌 If you are upset with your child's driver, please contact their supervisor. They need to have their head in the game for the entire drive. Ruminating over whatever you are upset with isn't safe.

I'd love to answer questions. I would love to hear from other drivers. School buses are so safe, but it starts with you so we can make them even safer.

I am a school bus driver and a mom. I am pretty active on my local Facebook Mom groups and I see a lot of complaints about buses. I would love to answer questions that are relevant and I hope I can reach some parents so we can all keep the kids on and around the bus safe. I think parents are really our first defense when it comes to bus safety and I have also noticed they are the last ones to get any sort of training or tips!

I live in the state of NY. If you are reading this from another state, first of all, heck yes! I happy I can inform parents all over. Secondly, some laws will not be the same for you. There are three bodies that make laws and recommendations in NYS, one is the NYSDMV, obviously they have no power over my friends in Texas or any other states.

🚌 Following distance is 6 to 8 seconds on a clear, good weather day at 55 mph, 4 seconds at slower speeds. Please do not get in this space! The bus weighs about 26,000 pounds. It cannot stop on a dime even with a perfect reaction time from a (probably) distracted driver.

🚌 Drivers cannot see up to 400 feet behind the bus. They can't see people, cars, bikes, kids. Do not go behind a bus, especially if their reverse audibles are on.

🚌 There is a 15 foot danger zone all the way around the bus. The driver CANNOT see you. If you drop something in the danger zone get the driver's attention. Do not assume they see you. They do not see you.

🚌 The most dangerous time of a student's school day is loading and unloading from the bus. Make sure they are looking both ways before they step into the street and that they immediately get away from the bus.

🚌 K through 3 students are the most likely to be killed by their own bus. They are impulsive and easily distracted. Their vision and hearing are not fully formed until they are 7, providing extra challenges. They are also smaller, making them harder to see.

🚌 Safe crossing. Take 12 big steps away from the bus. Turn 90° and take 15 to 20 big steps forward. Stop. Make eye contact with the driver. Look for the crossing signal. Return to where you came from IMMEDIATELY if you hear their horn. When you cross the bus, take a quick look both ways and continue WALKING to the other side of the road.

🚌 On the bus safety includes teaching your kids how to sit (bottom to bottom, back to back is a common phrase), using inside voices, being silent at railroad crossings, and using the handrail. I have my own kids and I know how challenging sitting correctly at 4 and 5 is, but any help in that regard is appreciated! Repetition is key, of course.

🚌 There should be no eating on the bus. It is a rule set by DOT due to the choking hazard and possible allergies. Remember, the bus driver does not know anyone's allergies due to HIPPA so we can't be sure every student will be fine if Joey eats his roasted peanuts.

🚌 Parents, please make sure your school district is doing their bus safety student training and emergency drills. In NY it must be done 3 times a year for every single student. Talk to your kids and say something if you find out it isn't being done.

🚌 If you are upset with your child's driver, please contact their supervisor. They need to have their head in the game for the entire drive. Ruminating over whatever you are upset with isn't safe.

I'd love to answer questions. I would love to hear from other drivers. School buses are so safe, but it starts with you so we can make them even safer.