School bus safety tips

Summer's winding down and the kids goingback to school — or you're ready for them to go back. Whether you're sending off a kindergartner or an experienced bus rider it never hurts to review school bus safety. Even if your child doesn't ride the bus daily he or she may be around the buses at school and on field trips.

Around the bus

You can improve your child's safety by walking them to and from the bus stop every day. Wait with them until the bus arrives and reinforce the importance of safety. Here's some advice to share with your kids:

• Use the sidewalk - Stand three or four big steps back from the curb.
• Steer clear of the bus - Before crossing in front of the bus make sure you're far away from the curb and make eye contact with the driver before crossing. Wait for them to wave you across.
• Look both ways - Watch for other cars before crossing the road. Remind your children that drivers don't always stop for the bus and they need to watch out for cars.
• Speak up - If you drop something getting on or off the bus tell the bus driver before going to pick it up.
• Be careful - Make sure the bus has come to a complete stop before getting on or off.
• Stay in sight - Never stand behind the bus.

On the bus

In addition to being safe around the bus your child needs to remember basic rules for behaving on the bus besides "sit quietly" and "follow the driver's rules." Help your young kids learn their bus number and how to find their bus. Also make a plan for what to do if they get on the wrong bus — this could be to ride the bus back to school and wait for you to pick them up.

The U.S. Department of Education reported that 10 percent of school bullying happens on buses. Talk to your kids about bullying and what to do if they experience it or see it happening to someone else. Let your kids know that they can talk to you about bullying and how to handle it. Keep open lines of communication with the school if there are repeated incidents.

Riding the bus is the safest way to travel to and from school. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that riding the bus to school is 70 times safer than riding in your car. Reviewing a few school bus safety tips can help put your mind at ease and get your kids ready to start another school year.