Tips For A Safe, Enjoyable School Bus Ride (NAPSA)—School buses have long made the grade as one of the safest ways for children to get to and from school. But did you know the iconic yellow buses may also offer students a unique learning opportunity? “The bus ride can be a wonderful opportunity for socialization,” says Robin Gurwitch, Ph.D., a child psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Parents can role play with their child to practice meeting new kids and interacting with them on the school bus.” Of course, the professionals behind the wheel can also make all the difference when it comes to both school bus safety and enjoyment. About half of adults recently surveyed for First Student transportation could readily recall personal school bus memories and 39 percent still remember the name of their school bus driver. “Knowledgeable, professional drivers are an integral part of ensuring a safe, happy school bus ride,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety at First Student, the nation’s largest provider of school transportation. “Drivers must complete an in- depth training program, which includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, along with special techniques for student behavior management.” The following tips could help ensure students have a safe, positive school bus experience: Remain alert at all times at the bus stop and when getting on the bus. More than a third of adults polled remembered their school bus driver’s name. Don’t listen to your MP3 player, text, talk on your phone or play handheld games because you won't be aware of what’s happening around you. Also, be careful when wearing your hood up; it makes it difficult to see around you. Be extra careful when crossing in front of the bus. Don’t wear clothes with toggles or dangling key chains. They can get caught in the bus doors or on the handrail. Know yourdriver’s name and your bus numberto be sure you are boarding the right bus. Be courteous and respectful to your driver. Safely getting children to and from school is a tremendous responsibility that drivers take very seriously. Have fun with your friends on the bus, but don’t be loud or get out of your seat. Doing so distracts the driver. Be courteousto fellow riders. If a student repeatedly bothers you or is aggressive, tell your bus driver. Drivers are there to help. For more information andtips, visit www.firststudentinc.com.
