SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Making Illinois Schools Second to None

Funded by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

RISKY BUSINESS FOR MOTORISTS PASSING
A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS

What is the most dangerous part of the school bus ride? The bus stop! Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Most of the children killed in bus-related crashes are pedestrians, five to seven years old, who are getting on or off the bus. They are hit by the school bus or by motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus. In neighborhoods, near schools, and at bus stops, drivers need to take special care because children do not behave like adults.
 
  Elementary school children Become easily distracted and
     may start across the street without warning.

  Don't understand the danger of moving vehicles.

  Can't judge vehicle speed or distance.

  May be blocked from view by the bus.

  Most importantly, children expect vehicles to stop for
       them at the school bus stop.
 

If red lights are flashing, STOP!
They show that children are getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the street.