Safety & Conduct Policy

Bus Passenger Safety and Conduct Policy

 

FAYETTEVILLE (AR) PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SAFETY AND CONDUCT POLICY

 

The service of school buses has become an integral part of the Fayetteville Public School's educational system. Therefore, the staff of the school district has the responsibility to provide a continuing program of instruction in school bus safety. The School Bus Passenger Safety and Conduct Training Program Guide (3545.5 Procedure 1 shall be used as the basis of this training).

 

Passengers on school buses must conduct themselves so that their actions do not place in jeopardy the safety and well-being of themselves or any other individual. Rules for Passenger's Conduct on Bus (3545.5ES-b) shall be used in informing students of acceptable behavior.

 

In the event that misconduct occurs, authorized personnel shall implement procedure as outlined by the superintendent (3545.5 Procedure 2). If misconduct is of serious enough nature to warrant withdrawing the privilege of riding the bus from the individual, Suspension and Expulsion Policy No. 5114 shall be applied.

 

Adopted: 11-13-73

 

PROCEDURE 1

 

SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SAFETY AND CONDUCT TRAINING PROGRAM GUIDE

 

Each teacher should review the contents of the Administrator's Handbook for School Transportation, and become familiar with all facets of the pupil transportation program including the School Bus Stop Law and the procedures to be followed in conducting emergency evacuation drills. This handbook is available at each principal's office.

 

In introducing this course, the teacher should make it clear that in addition to the individual rider's responsibility for his or her personal safety, he or she can also be responsible for the safety of the group. On the other hand, the group has the responsibility for the safety of the individual and the group.

 

THE SCHOOL BUS

 

The school bus is a valuable and expensive item of equipment and proper attitudes must be developed for its use and care. These buses were paid for by your parents and other taxpayers. All of these people work very hard to pay for this equipment so it must receive proper treatment and care. Do not cut seats or write on the bus.

 

THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER

 

There must be an attitude of respect and cooperation on the part of each student toward the bus driver.

1. The driver of the school bus is responsible for the safety of all students riding on the bus.

2. The driver has the same responsibility as a teacher in controlling discipline.

3. The first duty of the passengers is to obey the driver's directions promptly and cheerfully.

4. The driver must concentrate on driving the bus and any distraction may cause him to have an accident.

 

WALKING TO THE BUS STOP

 

Impress on students the correct procedure in establishing a safe route to the bus stop. Develop proper attitudes and understanding of the right-of-way of motorists. Point out how unsafe acts can lead to accidents.

 

Points to emphasize to students:

1. Leave home on time--hurrying to the bus can cause accidents.

2. Wear bright clothing if there is snow, rain, or fog.

3. Walk on the sidewalk whenever one is available, otherwise, walk on the

left edge of the road facing traffic.

4. Watch for turning cars and cars backing out of driveways.

5. Never cross the road at curves--motorists cannot see you.

6. Cross at corners after carefully checking both ways for vehicles.

7. Obey all traffic lights and signs.

8. Walk in single file, or not more than two abreast.

 

AT THE BUS STOP

 

Teach students the correct location to wait for the bus. Emphasize the danger involved in unsafe acts such as standing in the roadway or playing on the road.

 

Points to emphasize to students:

1. Be on time.

2. Wait quietly - do not play in roadway.

3. Do not damage property at the bus stop such as flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns.

4. Do not leave litter at the bus stop.

5. Stand back about 10 feet from the roadway while waiting for the bus.

6. If students must cross the roadway to board the bus, look in both directions for traffic, wait until the bus driver signals before crossing the road. Walk in front of the bus in single file.

7. When boarding the bus, use the handrail and take the steps one at a time.

8. Speak to the driver in a pleasing manner.

9. Go directly to your seat.

 

ON THE SCHOOL BUS

 

Good conduct is necessary for a safe bus ride. The driver must concentrate on driving and the students should cooperate to help keep the bus safe and on schedule.

 

Safety rules for passengers:

1. Watch your sitting posture as you would in the classroom.

2. Remain seated until the bus reaches its destination and comes to a complete stop.

3. Be very quiet at railroad grade crossings so the bus driver can hear railroad warning signals.

4. Keep the aisle of the bus clear.

5. Keep the bus clean--don't be a "litterbug."

6. Keep your head, arms, and hands inside the bus at all times.

7. Keep your feet off the seats.

8. Keep books and all other objects under the seat, not in the aisle.

9. Remain quiet so that you will not distract the bus driver.

10. Obey the bus driver's directions promptly and cheerfully.

11. Never throw objects around the bus or outside the windows.

12. Never open the windows without the driver's permission.

 

LEAVING THE BUS

 

Students should leave the bus in an orderly manner. Courtesy contributes to safety.

 

Points to remember:

1. Keep seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

2. Don't push or shove, but move quickly.

3. Be pleasant and courteous to the driver.

4. Use the handrail and take one step at a time when leaving the bus.

5. If you must cross the roadway, walk about 10 feet in front of the bus to a point even with the traffic side of the bus. Look carefully in both directions and wait until the driver signals you to cross, then cross quickly, but do not run. Help smaller children to cross the road safely.

6. If your home is on the right side of the road, go directly to the driveway where the driver can always see you.

7. Don't stop at the mailbox until the bus leaves the area.

 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS

 

Due to the increased number of pupils being transported in present-day traffic with a potential increase in accident hazards, there is a need to instruct pupils to vacate a school bus in case of an emergency. Since the bus driver is responsible for the safety of the pupils, he must direct the emergency drills.

 

Important factors pertaining to school bus evacuation drills are:

1. Safety of children is most important and must be considered first. There is possible danger when a child jumps from the rear emergency door exit.

2. All drills should be supervised by the principal or by persons assigned by him to act in a supervisory capacity.

3. Drills should be held on school property and not on bus routes.

4. "Emergency drills" should be organized in a manner similar to fire drills held regularly in schools.

5. Emergency drills should be held regularly, at least twice a year or perhaps more often during fall and spring months, and preferably when the bus arrives at the school building.

6. There are several different drills:

a. Everyone exits through the rear emergency door.

b. Everyone exits through the front entrance door.

c. The front half exits through the front door and the rear half exits through the emergency door.

7. The driver should stay in the bus during evacuation drills. He should be sure that the emergency brake is set, ignition off, and transmission in gear.

8. Children should not be permitted to take lunch boxes, books, etc. with them when they leave the bus.

9. Two older students should be stationed outside the emergency door to help the small students exit the bus.

10. The pupils should go to a distance of at least 100 feet from the bus in an emergency drill and remain there in a group until given further directions by the leader.

11. All children should be given an opportunity to participate, including those children who only ride a bus on special trips.

 

Adopted: 11-14-73

Revised: 1-28-75

 

PROCEDURE 2

 

SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER CONDUCT PROCEDURES

 

When in the judgment of the bus driver or other authorized personnel, bus conduct rules have been violated, the following procedures will be implemented.

 

1. The transportation supervisor will forward the following

information to the principal of the student or students involved:

Student's Name__________________________________

Bus Number_____________________________________

Date of Misconduct________________________________

Nature of Misconduct______________________________

2. On receiving notification of a student's misconduct, the principal will confer with the student with the goal of correcting the situation so that no future misconduct will occur. As soon as the conference is completed, the results will be reported to the transportation supervisor. It may be effective for the student to make a written explanation to be included with the principal's report.

3. If a student should become involved in a second violation, the same procedures will be followed as outlined above except that the student's parents must be notified. A conference with student participation is usually preferable but if this is not possible, a phone call or written notice mailed to the parent's home will suffice. In any event, the parent should be advised that students cannot be permitted to continue to jeopardize the safety of themselves or others.

4. Action taken for any additional violations will be at the discretion of the principal after consultation with the transportation supervisor. If the principal decides that the student is to be suspended from riding the bus for a period of time, Suspension and Expulsion Procedures #5114 will be followed.

 

Adopted: 11-13-73

Revised: 1-28-74

 

RULES FOR PASSENGER'S CONDUCT ON BUS

 

1. Be on time; the bus must be kept on schedule.

2. Do not stand or play in road while waiting for the bus.

3. Enter the bus without crowding or disturbing others.

4. Do not try to get on or off the bus while it is moving; wait until the bus stops.

5. Do not extend head or arms out of windows.

6. Be courteous to the driver and to fellow pupils, keeping hands off other people at all times.

7. Obey the driver as you would a teacher.

8. See that your conversation is clean and never loud or boisterous. Talk in normal tones. Use of tobacco and profane language in a school bus is forbidden by law.

9. Do not call out to passers-by.

10. Help keep the bus clean, sanitary, and orderly.

11. Do not damage or abuse bus equipment.

12. Carry on no unnecessary conversation with the driver while bus is in motion.

13. Do not loiter in or around bus while on school grounds.

14. Do not leave bus without the driver's consent, except on arrival at home and at school.

15. Make sure that the road is clear and get the driver's signal when you must cross the road, to and from the bus.

16. When crossing highway, look both to right and left, then walk, do not run.

17. When stopping the bus on the road, the pupil shall cross the road in front of the bus, after seeing that the way is clear.

18. Enter and leave bus by front door ONLY , except in emergency.

 

Adopted: 11-13-73

Amended: 1-28-75