Back to School Safety Checklist: Part Two – Have you finished checking off all the boxes for your child’s safety as the new school year approaches? Today, we’re talking about in-depth bus safety tips your kids need to know! Find the checklist right here on Newsymom!

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

In Part Two of our Back to School Safety Checklist, we’re going over more important topics you should go over with your littles before they grab their bags and head out the door to catch the school bus. (If you missed part one, here it is: Back to School Safety Checklist: Part One!)

Since nearly two-thirds of bus-related fatalities occur OUTSIDE the bus, make sure to go over this critical information with your kids before they jump on the bus for the first time:

While At the Bus Stop:

• Arrive five minutes earlier than the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb!
• Always have an adult present to supervise children until they get safely on the bus. (And have someone there when they come home!)

Etiquette Outside/Around the Bus:

• When crossing in front of the bus, make sure to be 10 feet (or five giant steps) in front and make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing so they see where you are!
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, DON’T pick it up! Tell the bus driver.

While On the Bus:

• If there are seat belts available, buckle up!
• Behave! Stay in your seat, keep all body parts and bookbags/papers inside the bus. (Don’t dangle anything out the window.)
• Keep the aisle clear of book bags, school projects, sports bags, etc. You need a direct path out in case of emergency!
• Wait until the bus reaches a full stop before standing and use the handrail when exiting the bus.

Nearly 25 million children ride the school bus each year; and every student is 70 times more likely to make it to school safely than when in a car! (School Bus Safety, National Highway Traffic Administration) Set your kids up for safety by going over this checklist in detail, no matter how they’re getting to and from school!

The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants to make your kids’ upcoming school year the healthiest one yet! Get your kids’ updated vaccines, sports physicals, and more done at the Tuscarawas County Health Department by calling (330) 343-5555 or visiting https://www.tchdnow.org/.

Keep following on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your kids healthy this school year!

Melissa Klatt

Reporting