The new school year is about to begin! Soon, you’ll spot Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) buses on the road as they transport students to and from school each weekday.
Do you know the best practices for school bus safety? Brush up on these seven helpful tips to keep yourself and your community safe this fall:
Tips for Drivers
1. Stop for flashing red lights
Did you know drivers are required to stop for school buses while passengers are boarding or deboarding? If you see a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, that’s your cue to stop when approaching from any direction. Stay stopped until everyone’s clear and the bus starts moving again. Then, you can proceed with caution, keeping an eye out for pedestrians.
If the school bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier, you don’t have to stop. But stay alert as students enter and exit the bus. They might cross into your lane.
Bonus tip: Look out for light-up signs! LCS is rolling out a brand-new safety feature. On our newer vehicles, the extendable stop sign and the “school bus” signs on the front and back of our vehicles light up. This improves visibility when it’s dark outside. As we continue to update our fleet, we plan to implement this feature on all of our vehicles eventually.
2. Slow down for flashing amber lights
When school buses are about to stop, drivers will activate flashing amber lights. When you see these, slow down and prepare to stop.
Some LCS buses have signage that lights up to enhance visibility.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
3. Arrive 10 minutes early
Students should arrive at their stop 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. For safety reasons, buses will not make sudden stops for late passengers. If you arrive at the bus stop too late, you’ll need to take your child to the next stop so the driver can pick them up there. You can track your child’s bus on the My Ride K-12.
When students run out in front of the bus to try to catch a ride, drivers might not be able to see them. Arriving early prevents safety hazards and ensures everyone can get to school on time.
4. Stay out of the danger zone
School bus drivers may not be able to see passengers when they’re in the “danger zone,” or the 10-foot area around the outside of the bus. Stay out of this area! Students should avoid running around the bus. They should also walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before crossing the street to ensure the driver can see them.
5. Talk to your child about school bus conduct
On a school bus, everyone plays a part in ensuring a safe and smooth ride. Students should heed the driver’s instructions, remain seated, keep the aisle clear, avoid horseplay, and maintain an appropriate speaking volume.
6. Accompany your young children to the bus stop
To ensure student safety, parents or guardians are required to wait at the bus stop with their Pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade children before and after school. If you’re not at the bus stop, drivers will not pick up or drop off your child.
7. Stay informed with My Ride K-12
Did you know you can use the My Ride K-12 mobile app and website to see your child’s bus routes, get alerts about delays and changes, track your child’s bus location in real-time, and communicate with LCS transportation staff? Download it today on your Apple or Android device, then enter your child’s school and student ID to get started. Learn more here.
