Kindergarteners Riding The Bus: Safe Or Not?

Riding the school bus for the first time is a big step for a child and their parents. While school buses are considered one of the safest vehicles on the road, injuries can occur if children are not careful when getting on and off the bus. School buses are also safer than travelling by car, reducing traffic and better handling the impact of a crash. However, parents often worry about their children riding the bus due to safety concerns and the presence of older children.

School bus safety features

School buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road for children. They are designed to be safer than regular passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries. School bus safety is a priority for schools, parents, and teachers alike. Here are some of the key safety features of school buses:

Safety Restraints and Protective Seating

Large school buses use a concept called "compartmentalization," which means that the interior of the bus is designed to protect children without the need for seat belts. This system uses strong, closely-spaced seats with energy-absorbing seat backs to protect children in the event of a crash. Smaller school buses, on the other hand, are required to have lap or lap/shoulder belts due to their smaller size and weight.

High Visibility and Warning Systems

School buses are designed to be highly visible with flashing red lights and extended stop-arm signs. These warning systems alert other drivers when the bus is stopping to load or unload children. Additionally, school buses have cross-view mirrors to improve the driver's visibility around the bus.

Robust Construction

School buses have high crush standards and rollover protection features, making them sturdier than regular passenger vehicles. Their heavier weight and different design help distribute crash forces differently, resulting in reduced crash forces for bus passengers compared to those in cars, light trucks, or vans.

Safety Procedures and Training

School bus drivers are trained to assist young children, and schools have comprehensive policies and training in place to ensure the safety of all children riding the bus. Schools often assign older students to buddy up with kindergarteners, and teachers or staff members play a role in ensuring safe boarding and disembarking. Additionally, parents can prepare their children by teaching them safety rules, such as always using handrails when entering or exiting the bus.

Overall, while there are inherent risks in any road transport, school buses are designed and regulated with safety as a top priority, making them a relatively safe option for kindergarteners and other children.

Preparing kindergarteners for riding the bus

Riding the bus to school can be an exciting and beneficial experience for kindergarteners. It can boost their independence, confidence, and social skills. However, it is normal for parents to have concerns about their child's safety and well-being when riding the bus. Here are some tips to help prepare your kindergartener for riding the bus:

Familiarize yourself and your child with the bus system:

Explain the bus system to your child, including the bus route, bus stop location, and the process of getting on and off the bus. Accompany your child to the bus stop and wait with them until the bus arrives. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident.

Teach safety rules and procedures:

Go over important safety rules with your child, such as staying seated while the bus is moving, using handrails when boarding or exiting the bus, and avoiding walking behind the bus. Explain the importance of listening to the bus driver and following their instructions.

Encourage your child to ask questions and share concerns:

Create a safe space for your child to ask any questions or express any worries they may have about riding the bus. Address their concerns and provide reassurance. Let them know that they can always come to you if they need help or encounter any problems while riding the bus.

Practice bus etiquette:

Talk to your child about appropriate behaviour when riding the bus, such as keeping the noise level down, keeping the aisles clear, and gathering their belongings before reaching their stop. Explain that these behaviours help the bus driver concentrate on driving safely.

Consider having an older child or buddy accompany your kindergartener:

If possible, arrange for an older sibling or a trusted older student to accompany your kindergartener on the bus. This can provide extra supervision and support, especially during the first few weeks of school. It can also help your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Determine your child's readiness:

Consider your child's maturity and ability to follow rules and instructions. Assess whether they are ready to handle the responsibilities and challenges of riding the bus independently. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the school or bus service for more information or to address specific issues.

Benefits of riding the bus

Riding the bus to school can be highly beneficial for kindergarteners. Here are some advantages of taking the bus for young children:

Boosts Confidence and Independence

Kindergarten is a significant milestone for children, and riding the bus can further boost their confidence and independence. Taking the bus gives them a sense of responsibility and helps them navigate this new phase with more assurance.

Social Development

Riding the bus provides an excellent opportunity for children to interact with their peers and develop essential social skills. They learn to make new friends, enhance their social interactions, and gain new perspectives by meeting classmates from different backgrounds.

Safety

School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation. They are designed with safety features like flashing lights, cross-view mirrors, stop-sign arms, protective seating, and high crush standards to prevent crashes and protect children in the event of a collision. School bus drivers are also trained to ensure the safety of the children on board.

Convenience and Time Management

Taking the bus can help children learn time management skills and develop a sense of discipline by sticking to a schedule. It also offers convenience for parents, saving them time and the hassle of navigating busy drop-off and pick-up lines at school.

Environmental Impact

Finally, opting for the school bus helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, benefiting the environment by lowering emissions and congestion around schools.

Risks of riding the bus

While school buses are considered one of the safest vehicles on the road, there are still risks involved when kindergarteners ride the bus. Here are some key points to consider:

Risk of Injury

School buses are designed with safety in mind and are highly regulated. However, injuries can still occur, especially when children are getting on or off the bus. It is important for children to follow safety rules, such as using handrails and staying clear of the bus doors to prevent injuries. Kindergarteners may need extra supervision or guidance to ensure they follow these safety protocols correctly.

Unsupervised Environment

Kindergarteners riding the bus will have relatively unsupervised interactions with other children. While bus drivers are present, their primary focus is on driving and navigating the road. They may not be able to monitor or address behavioural issues, bullying, or other concerns that may arise among the children. Parents should prepare their children for these interactions and ensure they feel comfortable sharing any upsetting experiences or incidents with them.

Potential for Misconduct or Bullying

The unsupervised nature of the bus environment can also lead to potential misconduct or bullying. Older children may expose younger kindergarteners to inappropriate content or engage in intimidating behaviour. It is crucial for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about body safety and to establish a safe space for them to share any concerns.

Risk of Getting Off at the Wrong Stop

One common worry among parents is the possibility of their child getting off the bus at the wrong stop or getting lost. While schools have procedures in place, such as requiring parental presence at the stop, it is still a valid concern. Parents should communicate their child's designated stop to the school and bus driver and ensure proper procedures are followed.

Traffic Hazards

Despite laws and safety measures, there are still risks associated with traffic and other vehicles when children are getting on or off the bus. Illegal passing of school buses by other drivers poses a significant threat to children's safety. It is essential for all drivers to follow the rules and be vigilant in school zones and near bus stops to protect children from potential accidents.

Rules for riding the bus

Before the Bus Arrives

Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is due to arrive. Stand at least three giant steps back from the curb as the bus approaches and board the bus one at a time.

Getting On and Off the Bus

Wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off. Use the handrails to avoid falling. Do not walk behind the bus.

Crossing the Street

If you need to cross the street after exiting the bus, take five giant steps in front of the bus, make eye contact with the bus driver, and cross when they indicate it's safe. Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

On the Bus

• Keep the noise down—loud noises could distract the driver.
• Keep all your body parts inside the bus.
• Keep the aisles clear of books and bags.
• Gather your belongings before reaching your stop.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Frequently asked questions