School Bus Safety

School Bus Safety is our # 1 Priority

Eatonville School District prides itself on our exemplary safety record and state vehicle inspection. This is due to our professional and responsible drivers, mechanics and support staff.

Safety starts with the rules of the road. Every September we must remember that school buses are back out on the road. Please remember to slow down and stop when you see red lights flashing.

Whenever you see the alternating flashing red lights on a school bus, traffic travelling both directions MUST stop if you are on a two-lane roadway.

Children at the bus stop and loading zones, as well as the driver must be aware of the Danger Zone. The Danger Zone extends 10 feet in all directions around the school bus. The Driver cannot see you in this zone.

STUDENT CROSSING PROCEDURES

Please review these important safety procedures with all of your children. Parents who escort their children to and from the bus when crossing, must set the example for their children and also adhere to these important safety procedures. EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW THAT NOT ALL VEHICLES STOP AS REQUIRED BY LAW, EVEN WHEN THE RED LIGHTS are flashing on a school bus.

When crossing the street to board the bus:
  • Students wait in a group at the designated bus stop at least 12 feet away from the edge of the roadway and look to the bus driver for the signal to cross.
  • Bus drivers will indicate when it is safe to cross the street. If it is dark, drivers may turn on an inside light to be seen easier.
  • Students proceed directly across the road always staying well in front of the bus and board the bus. Stay out of the “DANGER ZONE!” Do not stop in the middle of the street or cross behind the bus.
When crossing the street after leaving the bus:
  • Students exit the bus and take 10 giant steps in front of the bus staying on the side of the street. Stay out of the “DANGER ZONE!”
  • Students stand in a group and look to the bus driver for the signal to cross.
  • Bus drivers will indicate when it is safe to cross the street. If it is dark, drivers may turn on an inside light to be seen easier.
  • Students proceed to a point even with the left side of the bus and STOP.
  • Students look left and right for passing cars.
  • Students look to the driver for instruction to complete the crossing.
  • Do not cross behind the bus.
  • If a paper or article goes under the school bus, always ask the bus driver for help.
  • Do not get mail from roadside mailboxes until after the bus leaves the stop

When to Stop for a School Bus

Drivers overtaking or meeting a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off students are required to stop before reaching the bus when there is a visual signal to do so. Drivers are expected to wait until the school bus begins moving again or there are no longer visual signals to stop.

This pertains to:

Drivers traveling in either direction on a two-lane road
Drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus with a turn lane in the middle (note: vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop)
Drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus if there is a median or island between opposing directions  (note: vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop)
Drivers traveling in the same direction as a school bus on a road with three or more lanes (note: vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop)