Bus Safety

Thousands of students depend on school bus transportation each day in St. Mary’s County. The greatest risk is not riding the school bus, but approaching or leaving the bus. St. Mary’s County Public Schools ask parents to remind our students of the following school bus stop safety tips:

1. Getting to the Bus Stop

Always get to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is due to arrive. If you have to walk on roads where there’s no sidewalk, always walk against traffic. Try to stay off the road as much as possible. When crossing the street to get to the bus, always look left, then right, then left again. Cars will approach on the left first. If there are parked cars blocking your view, go to the nearest corner cross walk. Never run across the road to catch the bus.

2. Getting off the Bus

When you leave the bus, use the handrail. It will help you avoid a crash if you stumble. Make sure nothing is sticking out of your clothing or backpack (straps, drawstrings, or anything else) that could get caught in the handrail on the bus or the bus door. If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk (or along the side of the road) to a point that’s at least 5 GIANT STEPS ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.

These tips, in conjunction with drivers obeying traffic laws, increase the safety of students getting on and off the bus, and prevent tragedies. Please join the school system in creating a total community committed to learning and safety for ALL children in St. Mary’s County.