Safety Guidelines for School Bus Travel from Student Transportation of America
Student Transportation of America (STA), a leading provider of school transportation services, is focusing on fostering a safety-driven culture. With over 1.25 million children transported daily across the U.S. and Canada, STA is committed to ensuring every student's journey to school is a safe one.
For Students
Safety starts at the bus stop. Students should stand back from the curb, at least five steps away, and ensure the bus has fully stopped before approaching. The bus driver will often wave them on. It's crucial to stay alert by limiting the use of headphones, cellphones, or other distractions at the bus stop.
When crossing the street, students should only do so after making eye contact with the bus driver and waiting for their signal. They should walk about 10 feet in front of the bus to remain visible to the driver and look both ways before crossing. Arriving early and never chasing after a bus is also essential. Lastly, students should be mindful of traffic by looking both ways when crossing streets and being aware of busy driveways near the bus stop.
For Motorists
Being vigilant behind the wheel is crucial. Motorists must obey stop-arm laws in every state that protect children boarding or exiting buses. Illegally passing school buses remains a significant issue, with about 39.3 million illegal passings nationwide during the 2024-2025 school year.
For Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians play a vital role in reinforcing smart bus safety habits with children throughout the school year. They should encourage children to pay attention to the bus driver’s signals before crossing the street or boarding. Education about bus danger zones and proper crossing procedures can significantly enhance overall student safety.
Understanding the Danger Zones
STA emphasises understanding the school bus “danger zones” — areas around the bus where children are most at risk, including the 10 feet in front, 10 feet on each side, and behind the bus. Proper precautions, such as students avoiding walking too close to the front, taking three steps away from the side, and avoiding the back of the bus where the driver cannot see students crossing, can help minimise these risks.
Industry-Leading Training Program
STA's commitment to safety includes an industry-leading training program for its bus drivers. This comprehensive program includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training to ensure all drivers are well-equipped to handle any situation.
When a school bus flashes its yellow lights, drivers should prepare to stop their vehicle. If the bus flashes its red lights and the stop arm is extended, all other drivers must stop their vehicles. If a school bus is in your neighbourhood, avoid distractions such as cell phones and radios.
When the bus is parked, motorists should look around for students passing in front or on the side of the bus. Students should arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled arrival time and avoid walking too close to the front, always taking three steps away from the side, and avoiding the back of the bus where the driver cannot see students crossing.
STA's website, rideSTA.com, provides more information about its safety initiatives, training programs, and services. The company is also committed to decreasing its carbon footprint to help move the industry towards a greener future.
[1] National School Transportation Association Conference [2] School Bus Safety Week [3] National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services [4] School Bus Safety Company [5] Pupil Transportation Safety Institute
