SAFETY INFO

THINK SAFETY INITIATIVE

BCIU Transportation staff work diligently every day to earn the department’s excellent safety record. Drivers and assistants devote themselves to safely transporting students. Mechanics keep the vehicles in safe working order. Dispatchers and office personnel coordinate communication efforts to ensure safe and efficient operations. And supervisors oversee safety training, policies, and procedures.

To recognize outstanding safety achievement in the past and to provide incentive for further safety performance in the future, the BCIU Transportation Safety Committee instituted the Think Safety campaign in April 2008. Drivers and assistants who attain safety goals receive official BCIU Think Safety windbreakers and other awards. In addition, the program promotes safety awareness and provides training on the safe operation of school vehicles and other safety procedures.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

source - www.nsc.org (National Safety Council)

Getting to the school bus

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property. Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.

Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.

Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the school bus

When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.

Never put head, arms, or hands out of the window.

Keep aisles clear – books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency

Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.

At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail.

Getting off the school bus

If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver.

Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.

Correct ways to cross the street

Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.

Children should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.

If a student's vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, the student should move out to where drivers can see the student and the student can see other vehicles. Then stop, and look left, then right, and then left again.