All Lumpkin County Schools bus drivers are trained and inspected routinely in multiple areas.

High Priority Safety Rules for Students

The following rules have serious potential consequence if not followed. Students who are waiting at the school bus stop and who are loading or unloading a school bus can be at risk of being hit by either the school bus or by a passing vehicle. Students riding a school bus can also be at risk if not seated and seated correctly.

At the Bus Stop

· Get up and get ready on time. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come.

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

· Wait at the bus stop in a safe place, 12 feet away from the road.

· Stay on your side of the road until the bus comes.

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

· Keep electronic equipment packed away as you prepare to board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds when boarding.

· Return home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus.

o NEVER chase after the bus.

o NEVER walk to another bus stop.

o NEVER allow your parents to drive you to another bus stop. Your bus driver will not be expecting you.

The School Bus Danger Zone

The Danger Zone is the 12 foot area that surrounds a stopped school bus where the bus driver might not see you or where cars might be moving when you are getting on and off the school bus.

· Stay away from the dangerous areas where it is difficult for the bus driver to see you with their direct vision.

o Near the right and left front tires

o Near the right rear tires

o Near the front door

· Make sure you are always able to see the driver when outside the school bus.

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

o Leave any object and move to a point, out of the danger zone.

o Then get the driver’s attention by putting your hands and arms above your head and waving.

o Wait for the driver to see you and give you instructions before returning to the bus or before picking up anything dropped near the bus. If you do not get the driver’s attention, you should not attempt to retrieve the item.

· Be aware of the danger of passing cars that do not stop like they should.

o The danger may be from cars passing from the rear on the left side of the bus.

o Or from cars passing from all directions on both the left and right side of the bus.

· Always be alert and focused when near the Danger Zone.

Loading on the Roadway

· If you DO NOT have to cross the road to GET ON the bus:

o Stay 12 feet off the road and wait for the bus to stop.

o Look to be sure all cars have stopped before walking towards the bus.

o Look for moving cars as you walk forward.

· If you DO have to cross the road to GET ON the bus:

o Wait 12 feet off 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 standing.

o Look for moving cars as you walk to the edge of the road.

o Stop at the edge of the road and look both ways to be sure that any moving cars come to a stop.

o Look both ways for moving cars while walking straight across the road.

o Cross 12 feet in front of the bus.

· Make sure you can see the bus driver, so they can see you.

· Leave any item if dropped and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.

· Stay away from the front and rear bus tires.

· Look for moving cars when getting on the bus.

· Listen for the danger signal (blowing of the bus horn). Immediately look for and avoid the danger of passing cars that did not stop, if you hear the bus horn blow.

Riding the Bus

· Sit the safe way, facing forward with your back against the back of the seat and your bottom against the bottom of the seat.

· Remain seated at all times and keep the aisles clear.

· Avoid loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver from safely operating the school bus.

· Follow the directions of the school bus driver the first time they are given.

· Remain absolutely quiet at railroad grade crossings. This is a critical moment. The bus driver must be able to hear an approaching train.

Unloading on the Roadway

· Exit your bus only at your assigned stop.

· Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.

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

· When going home wait in the bus aisle for the driver to tell you it is okay to begin to leave the bus.

· When exiting the bus, make sure book bag straps, purses, clothing drawstrings, etc. do not get caught on the handrail or in the door.

· When going home, look for moving cars in all directions, especially to your right, before stepping off the bus.

· If you DO NOT have to cross the road AFTER GETTING OFF the bus:

o Look for cars in both directions as you walk straight away from the bus, in full view of the driver.

o Keep walking until you are out of the Danger Zone, 12 feet away from the bus.

o If you DO have to cross the road AFTER GETTING OFF the bus:

o Walk straight away from the right front of the bus, in the bus driver’s full view.

o Always be able to see the bus driver (so they can see you).

o Wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross two different times

o At the end of the crossing gate

o At the center of the road

o Look for cars to your left and right while walking directly across and exiting 12 feet off the road.

o NEVER cross behind the bus.

o Leave any item if dropped or left on the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.

o Stay away from the front and rear bus tires.

o Listen for the danger signal (blowing of the bus horn). Immediately look for and avoid the danger of passing cars that did not stop, if you hear the bus horn blow.

o Never get mail from a roadside mailbox. If a car is coming and loses control, it might run off the road.

Unloading at School

· Make sure all items are in book bag before departing.

· Make sure book bag straps, purses, clothing drawstrings, etc. do not get caught on the handrail or in the door.

· Walk (don’t run) without delay straight towards the school.

· Stay away from the bus, so your driver can see you.

· Leave any item if dropped or left on the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.

· Keep walking until you get out of the danger zone, 12 feet away from the bus.

· Never walk or run between parked cars and buses.

Loading at School

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

· Leave any item if dropped near the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.

· Stay away from the front and rear bus tires and promptly board the bus.

· Never chase after a moving bus. Once the buses start moving – you should stop moving.

Lumpkin County Schools

See Something Say Something

Levels of Security

Required Drills

Visitor Protocols

Bus Safety

Weather Events/Closings

Bullying

Safety Committee