Do's and Don'ts for Adults and Students at School Bus Stops

Kids, you're not alone in having rules of behavior to abide by to ensure a safe passage to and from school. Adults have a set of rules to which they, too, should abide.

First, here's a list for adults, things they should do to help ensure a school bus rider's safe passage to school:

• Make sure your child arrives at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• Supervise chidren to and from the bus stop and while waiting for the schol bus to arrive. Make sure your child follows the rules and behaves accordingly.

• Don't board a bus unless a transporation supervisor allows you to do so. This is against the law.

• Do not try to talk to the school bus driver while he or she is transporting children on a daily run. To make an appointment to speak to a school bus driver, call the area office.

• Do not attempt to stop or slow a moving bus, or to prevent a school bus from proceeding no its designated route. This, too, is against the law.

And now, rules to which the school bus rider shoud abide, as recounted in a report based on tips from the Florida Department of Transportation:

• Stand at least 10 feet ("five giant steps") from the road while waiting.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding and exiting.
• Take a seat right away and remain seated, facing forward.
• When you exit a school bus, look to the right.
• NEVER walk behind a school bus.
• Secure all belongings in a zippered backpack.
• Wear bright, constrasting clothing colors.