August 2, 2023 Issue, Page 13 of 16

Page Text

August 2, 2023 7B BUS SAFENY TIPS for Back-to-School Season Photo courtesy of Getty Images FAMILY FEATURES children about how to remain safe before, during and Verify the bus stop location offers good = Instruct children to never throw things on the nother school year means millions of after their daily trips on school buses. Consider these visibility for the bus driver; if changes are bus or out the windows and to never play with or children across the United States will begin tips from the experts at the National Association of needed, talk with nearby homeowners or block emergency exits. and end each day with a bus ride. The way Pupil Transportation, school district officials to implement changes. Remind kids that loud noises are off limits so many kids ride to school today, however, Never let kids wait in a house or car, where they don’t distract the driver. That includes is the same as it was 25 years ago — in diesel school Before the Bus Arrives the driver may miss seeing them approach cellphones and other electronic devices; instruct buses, which have been shown to be harmful to the bus, children to put them on mute or use headphones. children’s health, the community and the climate. = Ensure backpacks are packed securely so Remind children the bus stop is not a play- Investments are being made to clean up the papers and other items don’t scatter as the ground, Balls or other toys can roll into the Leaving the Bus nation’s school bus fleet, like the Environmental bus approaches. street and horseplay could result in someone Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus = Create a morning routine that puts kids at the bus falling into the path of oncoming traffic. = Remind children to look before stepping off the Program, which will provide $5 billion over five stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup Instruct children to stay at least three steps away bus. If they must cross the street, teach them to years to help replace existing buses with low- and time, This helps avoid a last-minute rush, when from the road and allow the bus to come to a do so in front of the bus by taking five big steps zero-emission models. One alternative energy safety lessons are easily forgotten, and ensures complete stop before approaching it. (approximately 10 feet) away from the front of source, propane, is an environmentally friendly and kids are safely in place for boarding, the bus, looking up and waiting for the driver to affordable option that can be implemented today to Encourage children to wear bright, contrasting On the Bus Ride signal it’s safe provide a better tomorrow for more students. The colors so they can be seen easier by drivers, For parents who meet their kids at the bus, low-carbon emissions energy source is abundantly Instruct children to walk on the sidewalk. Ifthere When boarding the bus, items can get bumped eliminate the risk of your children darting across available and can work in tandem with other energy is no sidewalk, advise them to stay out of the and dropped. Caution children that before the street by waiting on the side of the street sources, including electric, to move the nation’s street, walk single-file, face traffic and stay as picking anything up, they should talk to the where they exit the bus. school bus fleet further down the path to zero close to the edge of the road as possible driver and follow instructions to safely retrieve Make the bus ride part of your daily “how emissions and ensure every child has a safe, clean, Walk young children to the bus stop or encour- their possessions. was school?” discussion, Encourage kids to healthy ride to school age kids to walk in groups. There is safety in ® Teach safe riding habits: Stay seated with head, talk about the things they see and hear on the In addition to speaking to your children’s school numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see. hands and feet inside at all times; keep bags and bus so you can discuss appropriate behaviors district officials about alternative school bus = Ifkids must cross a street, driveway or alley, remind books out of the aisle and remain seated until the and, if necessary, report any concerns to solutions, there are lessons parents can teach their them to stop and look both ways before crossing, bus stops moving. school administrators. Sn UTOMUOT, VEW DETAIL ACCESSORY SHOP 580-799-7885 405 East 3rd Street, Elk City, OK Hours: M-F 8AM - 5PM