It is National School Bus Safety Week!
“Recognizing the critical importance of school bus operations in safely delivering students to in-person learning, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation declaring School Bus Safety Week in Maryland, October 18-22. The proclamation celebrates school bus drivers, calling attention to their rigorous training, safety record, as well as their meticulous implementation of new safety practices and dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Schools across the nation observe National School Bus Safety Week the third week of October. The 2021 October theme is “Be Safe – Know the Danger Zone.“
The danger zone is the space all around the school bus. It goes out 10 feet. The school bus driver cannot see the children in this zone, especially around the wheels. It is very dangerous to be in this area.
In addition to observing National School Bus Safety Week, the Department of Transportation adheres to rigorous safety standards for school buses. School buses are designed so that they’re highly visible and include safety features such as flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors, and stop-sign arms. They also include protective seating, high crush standards and rollover protection features.There are also laws in place that protect students who are getting off and on a school bus by making it illegal for drivers to pass a school bus while dropping off or picking up passengers, regardless of the direction of approach.
Students are encouraged to enter the National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest for Next Year. The 21-2022 theme is: 1 Bus + 1 Driver = a BIG Impact on Education
Posters can be drawn anytime between August 16, 2021 – March 1, 2022
Thousands of school districts in over 40 states participate in local and state-level competitions to select artwork drawn by students that depicts school bus safety-related themes and encourage and promote school bus safety.
If you are looking for more training in the area of safety consider the Basic Health and Safety Training and Breastfeeding Awareness. This training covers all aspects of safety while working with children including indoor and outdoor environments, first aid, allergies and asthma, and transportation.
