From staff reports
LEWISTOWN - The Mifflin County School District joins school districts and transportation agencies throughout the nation in celebrating the importance of National School Bus Safety Week from Oct. 22 to 26.
This year's theme, "I See the Driver and the Driver Sees Me," emphasizes to students that they should cross the street, board the bus and exit the bus while staying in view of the school bus driver at all times.
National studies continue to show that school buses are the safest method for transporting young people - up to 22 times safer than passenger cards.
"Ensuring the safety of students as they enter and exit the bus is crucial," Nancy Craig, coordinator of transportation for the Mifflin County School District, said in a press release.
Bus drivers are trained to be cautious, but the district encourages parents to make sure they watch for school buses stopped to load and unload children. District officials also ask that parents take time to SAFETY teach their children to look for traffic while walking to and from their bus stops or school. Safe pedestrian practices include wearing bright clothing, avoiding the use of headsets or earphones and staying alert to traffic and other hazards.
Craig offered the following tips to remind children:
Always remain in direct eyesight of the bus driver;
Get to the bus stop in plenty of time;
Take 10 giant steps back from the curb while waiting for the bus and 10 steps when exiting the bus;
Never try to get anything left on the bus after exiting.
Never reach underneath the bus;
Always follow the driver's directions for how to cross the street.
Be alert to traffic and look both ways;
Always cross in front of the bus, but only when the bus driver signals it is safe;
Always keep your back against the seat;
Do not scream or yell on the school bus;
Do not eat or drink while riding the bus;
Keep your hands to yourself;
Talk quietly to other students in your seat;
Put windows back up before exiting the bus;
Listen to the driver;
Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped;
Sit in your assigned seat;
Keep aisles clear.
For more information, Craig encourages parents to contact their child's school principal.
