Transportation

Bus Safety

Most injuries involving school buses occur outside the bus and by own bus. Even though there are mirrors, the driver can't see people close to the bus. Because the bus is so big, car drivers can't see them either. Anyone inside the 'Danger Zone' is in great danger! Do your part to make sure everyone gets on safely:

• ALWAYS STAY OUT OF THE SCHOOL BUS DANGER ZONES. 
• USE THE "TEN FOOT RULE" IF YOU HAVE TO CROSS THE STREET WHEN GETTING ON OR OFF THE BUS. 
• ALWAYS STAY IN YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS, UNLESS YOU ARE GETTING OFF THE BUS AND THE BUS IS FULLY STOPPED. 
• KNOW HOW TO EVACUATE THE BUS IN AN EMERGENCY. 

Wearing a mask on any school bus is no longer mandatory.

Bus Safety is a team effort of bus driver, student, the motoring public, and parents. If you have bus safety concerns, call the District Transportation Office at 845-577-6490.

Role of the Student

Safety aboard the bus begins with the student.  Certain basis rules of conduct combined with the use of common sense are a must to assure a safe ride on the bus.  Students should be aware of all safety rules including those posted inside the bus.  Please take time to read the following rules and follow them.

DON'T LOSE YOUR RIDING PRIVILEGE! FOLLOW THESE RULES:

• OBSERVE SAME CONDUCT AS IN THE CLASSROOM.
• BE COURTEOUS, USE NO INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.
• DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ON THE BUS (This includes chewing gum)
• KEEP THE BUS CLEAN.
• COOPERATE WITH THE DRIVER.
• DO NOT SMOKE.
• DO NOT BE DESTRUCTIVE.
• STAY IN YOUR SEAT.
• KEEP HEAD, HANDS AND FEET INSIDE THE BUS (AND TO YOURSELF)
• BUS DRIVER IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSIGN SEATS
• NO CELL PHONES ON BUS

Additionally:

• No animals, reptiles or large items are allowed on the bus.
• Musical instruments are permitted on the bus as long as they can be securely held on the student's lap.
• Bookbags should not be worn on the back while riding on the bus so that the children sit with their backs against the seat.
• Written permission must be obtained from the school office before riding a different bus or getting off at a different stop due to emergency situations.

New York State law and the need for safety make it necessary to restrict the size of objects (i.e. musical instruments) that can be transported on the bus.  Please check with the main office before bringing such objects on the bus.

Buses are now equipped with video cameras that have proven to be very effective in identifying students who behave inappropriately.  Parents may be shown the video tape in the presence of school officials to review their child's behavior.

How Parents Can Help Keep Their Children Safe

✅ Teach Children School Bus Safety Rules:

• Always wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Always stay at least 10 feet away from the front of the bus to remain visible to the driver. Called the safety zone. Most accidents happen here.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Encourage children to buckle up for extra safety.

✅ Encourage Safe Behavior on the Bus:

• Remain seated while the bus is moving
  • Do not get up from the seat until the bus is fully stopped. 
• Even though school buses are built for safety, seat belts do save lives.
• Avoid loud noises that could startle the driver.
• Use indoor voices to avoid distracting the driver.
• Keep Feet, Backpacks, and Belongings out of the aisle.
• Keep every part of your body inside the bus.

✅ Advocate for School Bus Safety in Your Community:

• Support bus stop signs and crosswalk enforcement in your area.
• Encourage local authorities to implement camera enforcement for illegal school bus passing.
• For all Bus driver, Bus Stop, and Student Safety concerns, call the ERCSD Transportation Office at 845-577-6490.

✅ Review School Bus Safety Rules with your Children:

• Observe the same code of conduct as required in the classroom.
• Keep your bus clean and
• Encourage polite behavior, say good morning, For example. Thank you, and have a nice day to the bus driver.

✅ Review Bus Driver rights when rules are not followed:

• Authorized to Assign seats.
• Stop the bus and not proceed until dispatch sends a safety professional to evaluate the situation. This will cause the bus to return students home late. 
• Issue a referral to your principal, which could result in bus suspension.
• Multiple referrals and severity of referral can remove the student's privilege to ride the bus for extended periods of time.