Oct. 20-24 School Bus Safety Week
School District Celebrates National School Bus Safety Week — A Reminder for Students, Families & Drivers
This week, in recognition of National School Bus Safety Week (October 20-24), the Elmira City School District re-affirms its commitment to ensuring that every student’s ride to and from school is safe, secure and respectful. School bus transportation remains one of the safest ways to get children to school — but it only works when students, families, drivers and the community work together.
Why it Matters
Each day, thousands of students across our district ride school buses. While the design and regulation of school buses make them highly safe, conditions before boarding and after exiting the bus remain times of increased risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the “danger zone” is the roughly 10 feet around a stopped school bus—where children are most at risk of being struck by passing vehicles.
As we pause to observe School Bus Safety Week, it is a good time for families and community members to review key safety practices, refresh expectations with students, and recommit to vigilance on the road.
Tips for Families & Students:
Below are important reminders we encourage every family to review:
Before the Bus Arrives / at the Bus Stop
-Arrive at the bus stop about five minutes early — rushing increases risk.
-Stand well back from the street. Encourage children to take “giant steps” to measure safe distance
-Walk to the stop if possible, rather than waiting in the car parked near the road. If children walk, teach them to face traffic (if no sidewalk) and stay alert.
-Remind children: don’t play or push around the bus stop, don’t run toward the bus as it approaches.
Boarding the Bus
Wait until the bus comes to a full stop, the driver opens the door and signals it is safe to board.
Use the handrail when boarding. Keep bags tight so nothing gets caught.
Find a seat quickly, sit facing forward, and remain seated while the bus is in motion. Avoid moving around, hanging out of the window, or distracting the driver.
Exiting the Bus / Crossing the Street
When it’s time to get off, wait until the bus has stopped completely and the driver gives a signal.
If you need to cross the street, cross in front of the bus, not behind. Walk at least about 10 feet (or “five giant steps”) in front of the bus so the driver can see you, make eye contact with the driver, and then cross when safe.
Never pick up something you dropped near the bus without getting the driver’s attention well in advance.
Drivers & Community Reminders:
-Stop when you see a school bus flashing red lights or with its stop-arm extended — children are entering or leaving. Passing a stopped bus is illegal in all 50 states.
-Slow down in school zones, residential streets and whenever children are present. Be alert for children walking or biking near bus stops.
-Avoid distractions while driving near school buses — such as cell phones, loud music or aggressive driving. Children are unpredictable and deserve our full attention.
Our transportation team, bus drivers, aides and support staff are dedicated to the safety of every student every day. But safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage all families to take a few moments this week to talk with their children about these safety practices, to review bus stop rules at home, and to help make our roads and bus routes safer for everyone.
Thank you for partnering with us as we observe National School Bus Safety Week and recommit to safe, respectful, and caring transportation for our students.