SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

School Bus Safety - the TCDSB in conjunction with the Toronto District School Board are highlighting the importance of school bus safety. Some important points to remember:

1. Parents are responsible for their children's safety before they board their school bus, and after they are dropped off in the afternoon. 

2. While on the bus, students are responsible to the school principal for their conduct. Transportation privileges may be revoked if a student's behavior creates problems (the length of the suspension varying with the severity of the incident). 

3. Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school in cases of inclement weather or mechanical difficulty. 

4. If transportation arrangements for your child need to be changed, the Board requires 7 days notice. 

5. Motorists meeting a school bus with red lights must stop unless on a highway divided my a median strip. 

6. Motorists overtaking a stopped school bus must stop at least 20 meters before reaching the bus. Motorist may proceed only after the bus resumes motion or the lights have ceased flashing. The law applies everywhere regardless of the post speed limit. 

7. Students are to be at the pickup point on time; drivers cannot wait for latecomers. Wait in a single file well away from the roadway until the driver stops the bus, then board the bus in orderly fashion. 

8. The driver is in charge of the bus and must be obeyed at all times. School patrols should be accorded the same respect. 

9. Students are to sit where the drivers tell them and remain seated for the duration of the trip. 

10. Students are expected to be quiet and behave sensibly. Horseplay, fighting, eating, smoking, and foul language are forbidden. 

11. Keep your belongings on your lap or under the seat; aisle must be left clear. 

12. Windows are not to be opened without the driver's consent; students must never lean out the windows or never throw anything inside the bus or out the windows. 

13. Respect the bus equipment. Students will be held responsible for any damages to the vehicle. 

14. Your may leave the bus only at regular stops. 

15. Never cross the road behind a school bus. Cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. 

By working together we can help keep our children safe!