School Bus Safety

HPE Lesson Plans - Health - KHE, 1HE, 2HE, 3HE, 4HE, 5HE

Safety | Mental, Social & Emotional Health | Substance Use Abuse & Disease Prevention | Growing Up Healthy

L1: School Bus Safety | L2: Being Responsible for Your Safety | L3: Safety Around Strangers & Bullies | L4: Life Skills - Resolve Conflicts Using Negotiations | L34: School Bus Safety | L35: Safety at Home--Fire, Electricity & Poisons | L36: Safety for Sports & Bicycling | L37: Getting Help & Giving First Aid

Safety

School Bus Safety

See below for the following:

Standard(s), Essential Question(s), Big Idea(s)

LEARNING TARGET / SUCCESS CRITERIA

I will recognize and reduce hazards that lead to unexpected injuries.

I will explain how to respond to emergency situations.

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PRE-INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITY

Vocabulary - video

bus stop - one of the places where a bus stops for passengers to get on or off

crossing gate - a long arm fitted to the front bumper of a school bus that swings out to block students exiting the bus to stop students from walking too closely in front of the bus when crossing the road (too closely in front of the bus means they cannot be seen by the bus driver)

danger zone - the 12-foot area that surrounds a stopped school bus, especially around both front tires, the front door, and the right rear tires

emergency - a situation that calls for quick action

evacuation - leaving the school bus quickly and safely in case of an emergency

handrail - a narrow rail for grasping with the hand to provide support and stability while walking up or down an incline such as a hill or stairs

hazard - something in the environment or some person's action that can cause harm

horn - an electrical device in a vehicle that drivers use to make a very loud sound to warn others of possible danger

loading / unloading - the act of getting on (loading) or off (unloading) a bus

school bus - a vehicle used for transporting students to and from school or on activities related to school

stop arm - the stop sign on the driver's side of the bus that swings out to signal to passing cars that a bus has stopped and exiting students may soon be crossing the road

traffic - the vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) moving along a street or roadway

OPENING (Engage)

Main Idea

Being aware of hazards and knowing how to reduce them helps prevent injuries. If an emergency occurs, certain steps can be taken.

Why Learn This?

What you learn can help you avoid injuries and aid you in an emergency.

WORK PERIOD (Explore/Explain/Extend/Elaborate)

READ: School Bus Safety

DCSD School Bus Safety (entire presentation video)

School Bus Stop Safety - Elementary School

As students, some of you ride the bus to and from school while others may ride only sometimes or only on field trips. This instructional presentation is for EVERYONE. Students who do not ride the bus to and from school may ride the bus in future years or at future schools attended. Plus, all students will be a bus rider when on field trips where the danger zone training, safe riding practices, and emergency evacuation training will come in handy to keep you and your fellow bus riders safe.

SEGMENT 1

School Bus Stop Safety

In this unit we will learn behaviors that keep you safe when you are riding the school bus. The  school bus safety training covers: 

• School bus stop safety

• The school bus danger zone 

• Loading & unloading 

• And how to cross the road when you get on and off the bus (if required) Loading and unloading at school 

• Riding the bus safely 

• Emergency school bus evacuation (leaving the bus quickly & safely in an emergency)  

Let’s talk about safety at the school bus stop. Get up on time and arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to come. Go back home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus. Get someone you know to take you to school. NEVER chase after the bus; NEVER walk to another bus stop and tell your parents to NEVER drive you to another bus stop. Your bus driver will not be  expecting you and you will be in grave danger when approaching the unsuspecting school bus driver.

It is better to be late for school and be safe!

Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you don’t drop anything. And wait in a safe place, twelve (12) feet away from traffic. If you have to cross the road to get on your school bus, then wait until it comes and let it use the stop arm and signals to help you cross.  

When at the school bus stop: 

• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Tell your  bus driver, your teacher or your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up. 

• Respect the property of home owners at the bus stop. You may be waiting in their yard, but  don’t bother their flowers or bushes.

• And also keep the noise down since someone in the house close by may still be asleep. Stay away from the road. Moving cars are a danger.

• Avoid horseplay, pushing or shoving. Someone could get hurt.

• Wait in an orderly group. Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the 1st student in  line standing 12 feet away from the road.

• Keep electronic equipment packed away when preparing to board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds/headphones when boarding. You MUST be able to hear!

• Wait there before moving to the school bus. You will later learn what to do next when you  start to board the bus. 

Do you know that there is an area around a school bus that is very dangerous? This is an area  near the bus where the bus driver might not see you or where cars might be moving when you are getting on & off the school bus. The Danger Zone is…  

• the twelve-foot area that surrounds a stopped school bus.

• Especially the most dangerous areas are around both front tires, the front door, and the right rear tires. Stay away from those tires. 

It is very important that you are always able to see the driver when outside the school bus and that you are always aware of the twelve (12) foot danger zone. 

You should NEVER return to the bus for something you left behind or dropped without getting the driver’s attention. 

• You should leave any object and move to a point, out of the danger zone.

• You should then get the driver’s attention by putting your hands and arms above your head and waving.

• Wait for the driver to see you and give you instruction before returning to  the bus or before picking anything up dropped near the bus.

• If you do not get the driver’s attention, you should not attempt to retrieve the item.

• Additionally, you must know that there is always the danger of passing cars that do NOT stop like they should and not just passing from the rear on the left side, but from all directions on both the left and right side of the bus.  

Everyone must understand the danger zone and be alert and focused at the school bus stop.

Loading

Let’s talk about how to get onto your school bus in the morning. We will start with the rules for  how to load if you do not cross the road.  

You MUST:

• Stay on your side of the road until the bus arrives (at least 12 feet away from the edge of the  road and 12 feet away from where the bus will come to a stop) and wait for the bus to stop and for the door to open.

• No movement should take place towards the bus until you look to be sure all traffic has  stopped. The stop arm is asking the cars to stop, but they may or may not stop. If a car is  moving, you should not move forward until it has stopped.

• When it is OK . . . you must continue to look in both directions for moving cars while walking through the danger zone, straight towards the door.

• The driver should always be able to see you, and you should stay away from the front and rear  bus tires and board the bus quickly.

• Always use the handrail for safety and go directly to a seat. 

You also need to understand that approaching vehicles are a danger and the signal for  danger is a continuous blowing of the bus horn. If the bus horn blows, you should “Look for dangerous vehicles and stay clear of the hazard”. The hazard will likely be a moving car so if  you hear the bus horn, look to see where it is and get out of the way. 

If required to cross the road to board the bus…  

You MUST: 

• Stay on your side of the road until the bus comes (at least 12 feet away from the edge of the  road), and

• Wait for the bus to stop and for the driver’s signal for when it is safe to cross from where you are waiting.

• You should stop at the edge of the road and look both ways to be sure that any moving cars come to a stop. If a car is moving, you should not step into the road.

• When it is OK…you should then look both ways for moving cars while walking straight across the road. Cross twelve (12) feet in front of the bus and make sure you can see the driver.

• Use the handrail for safety and go directly to a seat.  

Again, you must continue to look for moving cars; be careful in the danger zone; stay away from  the front and rear bus tires and board the bus without delay.

SEGMENT 2 

When you are riding the bus home it is important to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. 

Put away any electronic equipment before standing to exit the bus. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds/headphones until you are safely twelve (12) feet off the roadway. 

Walk to the front of the bus in an orderly manner and wait in the aisle until the driver tells you it is OK to begin to exit. The driver is waiting for all cars to stop before letting you off the bus. Moving cars are a danger. 

Use the hand rail when exiting the bus so you do not fall down.  

You should:  

• Look for moving cars in all directions, especially to your right, before stepping off the bus.  

• We know that approaching cars may not stop, so if you see a car moving, you MUST wait to be sure it stops.  

• This student understands the importance of checking to make sure no vehicle is passing on the right side of the bus. They are being sure that no car is moving before they step off the bus.

• If you do not cross the road when you get off the bus and there are no moving cars and you have stepped off the bus…  

You MUST next: 

• Look for cars in both directions as you . . . 

• Walk straight away from the bus, in full view of the driver. You should keep walking until you  are out of the danger zone, 12 feet away from the bus.  

• Never get mail from a roadside mailbox. You need to get away from road where cars might not  stop and away from the bus before it starts to move.  

Remember, if the bus driver sees an approaching danger with either their direct vision or  with their mirrors, they will use their horn to signal danger.

Remember that when riding the bus home, remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. 

Leave your seat in an orderly manner and wait in the aisle for the driver to tell you it is OK to  begin to leave the bus. The driver will wait for all cars to stop before letting you off the bus. 

Always use the hand rail when exiting the bus.  

If you have to cross the road when you get off the school bus… 

You MUST: 

• Once again look for cars in all directions before exiting. 

• When it’s OK. . . You should walk straight away from the right front of the bus, in the driver’s full view. You must exercise  caution in the danger zone. 

• When you get past the end of the bus crossing gate you must stop and face the center of the road, look directly at the driver and wait for the signal that it  is safe to cross.

• Then look for moving cars as you walk to the center of the road.

• Stop there and wait again for the driver’s signal that it is safe to finish crossing.

• Then continue to look for cars to your left and right while walking promptly across & exiting 12 feet off the  road. 

• NEVER stop to get mail from the mailbox. If a car is coming and loses control, it might run off  the road.

• NEVER cross behind the bus. Cross in front where it is safe and everyone can see you.

Any time you are unloading, but especially when unloading at school. . .  

Make sure book bag straps, purses, clothing drawstrings, etc. do not get caught on the handrail or in the door. If this happens and your bus driver shuts the door and begins to move the bus it could be dangerous.  

When you unload at school, if something is left on the bus or dropped near the bus, exit the  danger zone and get the driver’s attention before you return to the bus or attempt to pick up a  dropped item. 

NOTE – Have a student to demonstrate what they should do if they drop something or leave something on the bus. Here is what they should do: 

• They should leave any object and move to a point, out of the danger zone. 

• They should then get the driver’s attention by putting their hands and arms above their head and waving. 

• They  should wait for the driver to see them and give them instruction before returning to the bus or before picking anything up dropped near the bus. 

• If they do not get the driver’s attention, they should not attempt to retrieve the item. 

When your bus arrives at the school in the morning: 

• Remain seated until the bus is stopped and door is opened. If you stand up while the bus is moving, you might fall. 

• Do not push or shove, but wait your turn to get off the bus. Most bus drivers will want you  to leave by letting seats take turns, going from front to back, side to side.  

• Have everything inside your book bag. This reduces the possibility of dropping something  near the bus which creates an unsafe situation if you try to pick it up and the bus driver does  not see you. 

• Use the handrail for safety. A fall down the steps could hurt you. 

• Walk (don’t run) straight towards the school, away from the bus, so your driver can see you.  

When you get off the bus at school . . . 

• Keep walking until you get out of the danger zone, 12 feet away from the bus. When the bus  starts to move, you want to be well away from the danger zone.  

• Never run between parked cars and buses. Someone might not see you. Walk directly inside the school.  

• Do not wait for friends. You can see them when you get inside.

When school ends in the afternoon . . . 

• Have all belongings inside your book bag before leaving the classroom. This reduces the  possibility of dropping something near the bus which creates an unsafe situation where the driver might not see you and begin to move the bus.  

• If you drop or forget something on the bus, remember that if you don’t see the driver, the  driver doesn’t see you. Wait until you can see the driver, then put your hands above your head and wave them to get the driver’s attention. Do not try to get the item if you do not get the attention of the bus driver. The item can be replaced. YOU CANNOT BE REPLACED! 

• Never chase after a moving bus. Once the buses start moving – you should stop moving. It is better to miss the bus and be safe! 

As you are going to get on the bus . . . 

• Walk slowly towards your bus. Never run. 

• Walk straight towards the bus door and be sure your driver can see you.

• Stay away from the front and rear bus tires and board the bus without delay. Load in an orderly manner. 

• Make sure it is the right bus. If you get on the wrong bus by mistake, tell the driver. We do  not want you to get lost. 

When getting on the bus at school . . . 

• Use the handrail for safety.  

• Go directly to your seat so that others can be seated. 

• Do not do what these students are doing. Never place your head, arms or any object out of  the window. The bus could start to move and drive close to something and you could get hit. 

SEGMENT 3

There are some important things you need to do when you are riding the bus. The two (2) most important are:

• Sit the safe way, facing forward with your back against the back of the seat and your bottom against the bottom of the seat. Be sure your bottom is not hanging off the seat. If there is not room for you in a seat, then sit somewhere else where there is room.

• You must remain absolutely quiet at railroad grade crossings. This is a critical moment as bus  drivers must be able to hear an approaching train. 

NOTE – The school bus driver has authority over, and responsibility for, students  while on the bus. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the rules and follow the direction of their school bus driver. Proper student behavior is important because any driver distraction is  potentially hazardous to student safety, the safety of the driver, and the safety of other road users. 

Students should be aware that they are responsible for their actions and behavior and that  school bus transportation can be denied if they do not conduct themselves properly.  

Anytime you are riding the school bus you should: 

• Follow directions of the school bus driver the first time given. They are like your teacher and you should listen and do what they say. 

• Go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus so everyone can get seated and the bus can move. If you are standing up when the bus moves you might fall. 

• Remain seated, facing forward with your back against the seat. This keeps you safe if the bus driver has to steer or stop quickly.  

• Tell your bus driver if someone is picking on you or making you feel uncomfortable. They can help you to make it stop.  

• Hold your books and other things in your lap so the bus aisles and exits are clear. We do not want anyone to trip and fall on anything.

When riding the bus you should: 

• Respect the rights and safety of others. Never bother things that belong to someone else.  **Talk in a quiet voice. We want the bus driver to not be distracted so they can drive safely. 

• Do not chew gum, eat or drink on the bus. You could get choked, or you could drop or spill  something which would make the bus dirty or cause someone to slip and fall. 

• Never throw anything on the bus. Someone could get hurt or your bus driver could be  distracted and have a wreck.

• Never stick your head, arms or hands out of the bus window.

• Never bring tobacco, drugs, knives or weapons on the school bus.  

There are more rules to follow when you are on the school bus. You should: 

• Never bring animals or glass objects onto the bus. Animals could get loose. You could drop  something glass, and if it breaks then someone could get hurt. If something is too big to hold in  your lap and you need to take it to school, then get your parent to drive you to school that day.  

• Never use obscene language or gestures. Be nice to everyone and they will be nice to you. 

• Never operate cell phones while on the bus or when exiting the bus. If you have a cell phone  keep it in your pocket, book bag or purse. 

• Also, never use an electronic device or wear ear buds or headphones when exiting the bus.  You MUST be able to hear! 

• Never use obscene language or gestures. Be nice to everyone and they will be nice to you. 

• Never leave or board the bus at locations other than your assigned stop. Follow local school  system procedures to obtain signed permission for a change of stop location.

• Help keep the bus clean. A clean bus is safer and more fun to ride than a dirty bus.

NOTE – School bus evacuation drills will be conducted by your Pupil Transportation Department during the school year. You are in a controlled learning environment and can help to lay the groundwork for those drills and prepare your students for a possible real emergency bus evacuation. 

We are now going to talk about what you might need to do if something goes wrong on your  school bus and you have to evacuate – leave the bus quickly & safely in an emergency. Your school bus driver will do an emergency evacuation drill with you a couple of times this year.  

Evacuation of your school bus may be required in case of some bus accidents, fire or an  emergency where it was important for you to leave the bus quickly. 

There are three ways to evacuate the bus:

1. Front door – If there is an emergency and there is no danger in using the front door, you will  do a front door evacuation. In a front door evacuation the bus driver will choose one leader to  lead you to a safe place 100 feet (3 bus lengths) away from the bus. The driver will unload  students by letting seats take turns, going from front to back, side to side.  

2. Rear emergency door – If there is an emergency and the front door cannot be used, you  will do a rear door evacuation (all rear-engine buses are equipped with a side emergency exit  door in lieu of a rear emergency door). In a rear door evacuation, the driver will choose one  leader to lead you to a safe place 100 feet (3 bus lengths) away from the bus. They will also  choose two helpers to assist you as you go out the back door using the “Sit & Scoot” method.  The driver will unload students by letting seats take turns, going from side to side. The  emergency door is to be used only at the driver’s or student helper’s direction. 

Sit & Scoot – (Reference picture on slide) When you get to the emergency door you will NOT  jump out of the door. You WILL sit down so your bottom is on the floor and your feet are  hanging out of the door. Student helpers will assist you as you scoot out of the door and land  gently on both feet. 

3. Both front door and rear emergency door – If you need to evacuate the bus as fast as  possible, you will use both the front and rear doors where the front half of the bus exits  through the front door and the rear half exits through the rear emergency door. Leaders will  take you to a safe place 100 feet (3 bus lengths) away from the bus.  

Buses also have roof hatches on top of the bus and emergency windows on the sides that open  big enough for you to get through. These can be used in an evacuation if other exits are blocked or if the bus turns over. 

In all types of evacuation it is important that you: 

• Listen to the driver’s instructions. 

• Remain calm and remain quiet so you can hear the driver’s instructions.  

• Stay seated until it is your turn to leave the bus. You will unload letting seats take turns,  going from side to side.

When evacuating the bus it is important to leave books, lunch boxes, and other personal  belongings on the bus so you can leave quickly. Those items can be replaced. YOU CANNOT BE  REPLACED! 

• Walk as you leave the bus. Do not run. 

• Go 100 feet (3 bus lengths) away from the bus. 

• Remain in an orderly group and wait for further instruction from your driver or a student  helper. 

Were you paying attention? 

Q - How far should you wait off the road at your school bus stop? 

Q - If you need to cross the road to get on the bus, where should you be standing when the  driver gives the signal to cross? 

Q - For students crossing to board in the morning, where must you stop and look? 

Q - When unloading in the afternoon, what must you do before stepping off the bus? A - Look for moving cars on the right side 

Q - If you need to cross in the afternoon, where do you stop & wait for the driver to signal  that it is OK to continue? 

Q - When you get off the bus in the afternoon, how far should you go off the road before  stopping? 

Q - Why is it important for all items to be in a book bag before getting on the bus at the bus  stop in the morning or getting on at the school in the afternoon?

Q - What should you do if you drop something near the bus or leave something on the bus?

REMEMBER...Being aware of hazards and knowing how to reduce them helps prevent injuries. If an emergency occurs, certain steps can be taken. What you learn can help you avoid injuries and aid you in an emergency.

CLOSING (Evaluate)

• Complete Lesson Checkup

• Finished Early? (sign into BrainPOP using Clever)

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  • Watch BrainPOP - Concussions

  • Watch BrainPOP - Bicycle Safety

  • Watch BrainPOP - Food Safety

  • Watch BrainPOP - Lab Safety

  • Watch BrainPOP - Online Safety

  • Watch BrainPOP - Water Safety

Standard(s)

HE4.4a – describe effective negotiation skills to manage or resolve conflict

HE4.4b – demonstrate skills that communicate care, consideration, and respect of self and others, including those with disabilities

HE4.5a – explain a situation that may require a thoughtful health-related decision

HE4.5b – determine when help is needed to make a health-related decision

HE4.5c – indicate healthy alternatives to health-related issues and problems

HE4.5d – describe the possible consequences of each option when making a health-related decision

HE4.5e – determine a healthy choice when making a decision

Essential Question(s)

1. How can you encourage your friends to be safe at the school bus stop?

2. What should you do when you see someone in the danger zone around the school bus?

3. How can you model safe behavior when loading/unloading the school bus?

4. What can you do when you see someone not being safe on the school bus?

Big Idea(s)

1. You can encourage friends to be safe at the school bus stop by reminding them:

• Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come.

• Do not be running late and do not try to get on the bus as it starts to move.

• Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you do not drop anything.

• Keep electronics packed away as you are boarding.

• NEVER chase after the bus.  NEVER walk to another bus stop.  NEVER allow your parents to drive you to another bus stop.

• Wait in an orderly group. Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the first student in line standing 12 feet away from the road.

•  If you drop something, leave it and move to a point out of the Danger Zone. Do not pick it up without getting the attention of and instruction from the bus driver.

• Always stay away from the front and rear bus tires.

2. When you see someone in the danger zone around the school bus, you should remind them:

• If loading, walk straight towards the bus door, in the bus driver’s full view (so they can see you). Stay away from the front and rear bus tires and board the bus promptly.

• If unloading, walk straight away from the right front of the bus out of the danger zone (12 feet), in the bus driver’s full view (so they can see you).

• If you drop something, leave it and move to a point out of the Danger Zone. Do not pick it up without getting the attention of and instruction from the bus driver.

3. You can model safe behavior when loading/unloading the school bus in the following manner:

• If loading, walk straight towards the bus door, in the bus driver’s full view (so they can see you). Stay away from the front and rear bus tires and board the bus promptly.

• If unloading, walk straight away from the right front of the bus out of the danger zone (12 feet), in the bus driver’s full view (so they can see you).

4. When you see someone not being safe on the school bus, depending on what they are doing, you should remind them:

• Always use the handrail.

• Go directly to an available or assigned seat when entering the bus.

• Remain seated, facing forward with your back against the seat.

• Hold your books and other things in your lap so the bus aisles and exits are clear. 

• Respect the rights and safety of others. Never bother things that belong to someone else.

• Tell your bus driver if someone is picking on you or making you feel uncomfortable.

• Talk in a quiet voice on the bus.

• Do not chew gum, eat or drink on the bus.

• Never throw anything on the bus.

• Never bring tobacco, drugs, knives or weapons on the school bus.

• Never bring animals or glass objects onto the bus. 

• Never place your head, arms or any object out of the window.

• Remain absolutely quiet at railroad grade crossings.

• Follow directions of the school bus driver the first time given. They are like your teacher and you should listen and do what they say.

• Remain seated until bus is stopped and door is open.

• Do not push or shove, but wait your turn to get off of the school bus.

RESOURCES / INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

• see below

DCSD Board-Approved Instruction Materials

• Your Health: Teacher's Edition - Grade 4. Harcourt Brace & Company. 1999.

Technology

• Google Sites - HPE website

• Chromebook

• large video screens for whole-class viewing

• sound system for sharing of audio

• BrainPOP - Concussions

• BrainPOP - CPR

• BrainPOP - First Aid

• BrainPOP - Bicycle Safety

• BrainPOP - Food Safety

• BrainPOP - Lab Safety

• BrainPOP - Online Safety

• BrainPOP - Water Safety