Beginning in mid-August through most of September, schools throughout Maryland will begin welcoming students back from their summer vacations. Whether you are a parent, child, school administrator, driver, or a concerned citizen, the following tips will help keep our Students safe.

1. Bus Stop

Your child's bus stop should be in an area that is well lit, easily accessible, and away from traffic. If it is not, contact
school administrators to have the stop moved. In some situations, you may need to contact the City or State. If you live in an area where there is heavy snowfall, make sure that the stop is sufficiently free of snow, ice, and related debris.

2. Clothing

 Children should be wearing bright colored clothing, especially if waiting for the bus before sunrise or getting home after
dark. Place removable reflective tape on their outer garments including on their hats and coats.

3. Boarding.

Teach your children to only move forward to board a bus when it has come to a complete stop and the driver opens the door. Children should line up as they await entrance.

4. Seating

 School buses DO NOT come equipped with seatbelts, nor are seats strong enough to resist impact in the event of a crash. Teach your children to be seated at all times and facing forward. Study various brace positions to prepare for the possibility of an accident. Learn optional exit strategies including using the emergency door or windows.

5. Exiting

When exiting the bus, children must move far away from the vehicle to allow the driver to see that they have cleared the bus and are safely away from traffic. Children should stand clear of all bus wheels.

6. Awareness

 Teach your children to be aware of other traffic in the area. Do not assume that drivers will stop for them or even see them.  Have them constantly look both ways as they cross the street until they are safely on the other side. Every year children die or are injured in school bus related accidents. Many die as a result of a collision involving their bus with another vehicle while others are killed or hurt as they fail to clear the area around the bus or are struck by oncoming traffic.

You can keep your child safe by raising their awareness of potential hazards while the rest of us can make bus safety a priority by obeying the rules of the road. Let's make this school year a safe one.