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Bus Safety

Watch our Videos on Bus Safety and Bus Behavior!

You can also watch the Bus Behavior Video in Spanish.

Bus Safety & Behavior Expectations

Before the Bus Arrives

  • Arrive at your bus stop 10 minutes early.
  • Wait in a safe place away from traffic.
  • Respect private property.
  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
  • Follow directions from parents, guardians, and school staff.

Boarding the Bus

  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals.
  • Board in an orderly manner.
  • Use the handrail.
  • Proceed directly onto the bus.

While Riding the Bus Students Must:

  • Remain seated facing forward at all times.
  • Keep aisles, exits, and emergency equipment clear.
  • Speak in a quiet voice.
  • Follow all directions from the driver.
  • Keep hands, feet, and belongings to yourself.
  • Treat others with respect.
  • Keep the bus clean and free of litter.

While Riding the Bus Students Must Not:

  • Stand, change seats, or move around while the bus is moving.
  • Throw objects inside or outside the bus.
  • Use inappropriate language, teasing, bullying, or harassment.
  • Extend hands, arms, heads, or objects out of windows.
  • Eat, drink, or chew gum unless authorized.
  • Damage the bus or another person's property.
  • Distract the driver in any way.
  • Engage in inappropriate physical contact or intimate behavior.

Crossing the Street Safely

  • Always cross in front of the bus.
  • Walk at least 10 giant steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
  • Make eye contact with the driver.
  • Wait for the driver's signal before crossing.
  • Never cross behind the bus.
  • If something falls near the bus, tell the driver and never attempt to retrieve it.

Exiting the Bus

  • Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
  • Exit carefully using the handrail.
  • Move away from the bus after exiting.
  • Follow all driver instructions regarding street crossings.

Bus Driver Authority

The bus driver is responsible for the safety of all students. Follow all directions and requests from the driver at all times.

Cameras for Safety

For the safety of all students and staff, video cameras are installed on every school bus. The cameras help promote responsible behavior and may be used to review incidents.

Consequences for Misconduct

Failure to follow bus safety rules may result in:

  1. Verbal warning
  2. Referral to school administration
  3. Temporary suspension of bus riding privileges
  4. Additional disciplinary action consistent with district policy and New York State regulations

OUR BUS SAFETY PROMISE

Safe Bus + Safe Driver + Safe Students = Safe Ride

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.