Tips for parents about school bus safety are offered by Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical  Center:

Getting Ready for School
Have your children carry everything in a backpack so they won’t drop things along the way.  Have them wear bright colors or reflective strips on their backpacks so they can be seen by drivers. Have them leave home on time. Running can be dangerous.

Walking to the Bus Stop
Walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.

Waiting at the School Bus Stop
Don't allow your child to play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic.

Getting on and off the Bus
Warn children, that if they drop something, that they should not pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver's instructions. Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus because drivers in a hurry sometimes try to sneak by buses on the right. If you wait for your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side your child will be dropped off. Children can get so excited to see you that they might dash across the street, forgetting the safety rules.

Riding the Bus
Children should talk quietly and be courteous to the driver and therefore able to follow the driver's instructions when given. Children should also be seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.

For more information, please call Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, at (901) 287-6730.