National School Bus Safety Week: Teaching Kids About the Danger Zone

Understanding the Danger Zone

The Danger Zone extends approximately 10 feet in all directions around a school bus. This area is where the bus driver has limited or no visibility, and where most school bus-related injuries and fatalities occur. Children in this zone are at risk from:

• Being struck by the school bus itself during turns or backing up
• Being hit by vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses
• Slipping and falling under the bus wheels
• Being caught in the bus's blind spots

The Most Dangerous Area

The area directly in front of and to the sides of the school bus poses the greatest risk. When children drop items near the bus or attempt to retrieve something that rolled underneath, they enter a zone where the driver cannot see them. Similarly, children who walk too close alongside the bus are invisible to the driver.

Essential Safety Rules for Children

Before Boarding:

• Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early
• Stand at least 10 feet back from the curb
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens before approaching
• Never run toward the bus

When Crossing the Street:

• Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus where the driver can see you
• Make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing
• Watch for the driver's signal that it's safe to cross
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing
• Never cross behind the bus

After Exiting:

• Move away from the bus immediately
• If you must cross the street, take five giant steps away from the bus before crossing
• Never return to the bus for forgotten items without first getting the driver's attention

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing school bus safety:

• Practice the safety rules with your children before the school year begins
• Walk the route to the bus stop together and identify safe waiting areas
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Remind children that dropped items aren't worth risking their safety
• Model safe behavior around school buses in your own driving

For Drivers and Motorists

When you see a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop sign:

• Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus
• Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop sign is retracted
• Watch for children who may be crossing the street
• Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus—it's illegal and extremely dangerous
• Be extra cautious in school zones during pickup and dropoff times

Teaching the Ten-Foot Rule

The single most important concept children need to understand is the Ten-Foot Rule: always stay at least 10 feet away from the bus at all times. You can help children visualize this distance by:

• Comparing it to the length of a small car
• Taking 10 giant steps away from the bus
• Using visual markers at bus stops
• Practicing the distance regularly

Statistics That Matter

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while school buses are extremely safe, most fatalities occur outside the bus in the loading and unloading zone. Children aged 5 to 7 are at the highest risk because they are less cautious and more impulsive around traffic.

Making Safety a Priority

National School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that school bus safety is a shared responsibility. Bus drivers, parents, children, and all motorists must work together to protect our students. By teaching children about the Danger Zone and reinforcing safe practices, we can ensure that every child arrives at school and returns home safely.

Remember: The few seconds it takes to follow safety rules can prevent a lifetime of tragedy. Let's make school bus safety a priority every day, not just during Safety Week.