Sheriff Peter Matonich Reminds Everyone to Remember School Bus Safety Rules

As Kids In Gogebic County Return to School

BESSEMER, MI  - Thursday, September 2, 2010 - The first day of school marks a significant milestone in the life of a child. It's an exciting time for making new friends, learning new things, and for some, riding the school bus. Every day more than 20 million students use school buses as transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent the safest form of highway transportation, there are a number of safety factors both students and drivers should be aware of. Hoping to ensure that the school year gets off to a safe and happy start, the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office encourages caution whenever school buses are present.

"Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all of the fun they had at school that day," said Sheriff Matonich. "It is crucial that parents re-enforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school." Sheriff Matonich also suggests that parents drive their child's bus route with them and practice the proper safety precautions.

Throughout a child's life, there are a number of situations where parents will be unable to exercise control. However, there are numerous precautions they can take to help ensure their child enjoys a safe ride to and from school. The Gogebic County Sheriffs’ Office has some safety measures they encourage all parents to discuss with their children.

Students

• Always arrive at the bus stop early.
• Prior to boarding, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it's OK to board.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
• Take extra precaution to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door. 
• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Motorists

•  Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.
• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.
• Be more aware of children playing near school bus stops.
• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights. This is a sign that children are getting off the bus.