School Bus Safety
It is important for transportation providers to understand the complexities of transporting children from birth to age five. Although school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road, transporting children does not come without risks. Learn why this age group rides school buses and what transportation providers should do in case of an emergency.
Different Programs That Require Bus Transport
These programs include:- Early Intervention Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
- The Pre-schools Grant Program
- The Early Education Program for Children with Disabilities
- Head Start
- Child care center
Challenges and Responsibilities for Transportation Providers
These children may require a great deal of supervision during the time they are in the school bus. Some issues that must be addressed to assure safe transportation in the school bus include:- Physical handling, especially children with medically fragile and complex conditions
- Communication with young children
- Behavioral management
- Child safety seats, restraint systems, safety vests
- Wheelchairs and occupant securement systems
- Confidentiality
- Length of ride
- Personnel training
- Parental responsibilities: know school bus safety rules for children
Emergency Procedures
School bus drivers and attendants should be trained in emergency procedures, which include:- A written evacuation plan and evacuation drills with the children they transport
- Seat belt cutters should be kept on the school bus within reach of the seated driver
- Child Safety Restraint Systems should not be placed next to rows of seats with emergency window or door exits
- The local emergency response system should know the response plans for school bus emergencies