SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES

1. Students should observe the same rules as in the classroom.  
2. Students should respect their bus driver and cooperate with his/her instructions or requests.
3. Students are prohibited from fighting or “rough housing”, which includes disruptive behavior such as pushing, shoving,  shouting, slapping, pinching, kicking, etc.
4. Students are prohibited from having drugs, alcohol, weapons, fireworks or tobacco products in their possession when  riding the school bus. 
5. Students should remain in their assigned seats when the bus is moving and keep their hands and feet out of the aisle  and off other riders or their property.
6. Students should keep their head, hands and feet inside the bus at all times.
7. Students should not use profane, vulgar or obscene language or gestures to anyone on or outside the school bus.
8. Students should not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.
9. Students should not damage any portion of the interior or exterior of the school bus or its equipment.
10. Students are prohibited from having toys, in their possession when riding the school bus.
11. Students will not be allowed to listen to audio devices without headphones.
12. Students must remain absolutely quiet at all railroad crossings.
13. Students should not use tobacco products at the bus stop or on the school bus.
14. Students should not have things dangling from their book bags. Any excessively long straps should be pulled tight or cut  off.

BUS SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Bus service is provided to and from a student’s bus stop and school. Bus conduct rules must be obeyed. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of bus privileges. Parents are responsible for their children going to and from the bus stop and while they are waiting at the bus stop. Students who want to ride a different bus home, or get off at a different stop must have a note from home that is approved by the school office. Students must be at their designated bus stop when the bus arrives. Students are expected to arrive at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Buses cannot wait for latecomers. Go back home for help if you miss the bus. Never walk to another bus stop. Never have parents drive students to another bus stop per GADOE rules. Only Effingham County Public School students are authorized to ride the bus. The Transportation Coordinator must approve anyone else to ride the bus. 

BUS STOPS

Although we are committed to the safety of students on the bus and at the bus stop, there are situations that require your assistance and participation in order to ensure the safety of your children when walking to and from the bus stop. Sometimes, children can be exposed to a dangerous situation because of their own or other’s behavior.

School bus stops are now located as close as possible to the student’s home. Students are to use the stop closest to their home. If a residence is in a populated area, stops will be determined with the majority of student’s interests in mind. In other areas, such as housing developments or complexes, central locations are used as bus stops. State regulations require that bus stops be spaced at least one-tenth (1/10) of a mile or more apart on major highways. State provisions also require that children walk no more than ½ mile to their assigned stop. Effingham County Policy states that students walk no more than 1/4 mile to their assigned stop whenever possible. Buses are not permitted to travel down private roads that are not county maintained. Exceptions are allowed in response to safety hazards that have been identified by the transportation department. Bus drivers are not permitted to deviate from their routes without permission from the Transportation Coordinator. Buses are not permitted to travel on closed or flooded roads. Bus stops served by such a road will be temporarily relocated to the closest safe location. Service will be restored when conditions permit. 

BUS LOADING AREAS

Each school has an area of the campus that is used strictly for the loading and unloading of students from the school bus. Automobiles that are in these restricted areas pose a dangerous safety hazard to students and will be stopped or moved.

SEVERE WEATHER

If severe weather should force the closing or early dismissal of school, local radio and television stations will broadcast information as soon as possible.

WE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POLICY

LACK OF SUPERVISION – Policy 2104.4     Georgia Dept. of Human Resources

Children eight years or younger should not be left alone.

Children between the ages of nine years and twelve years, based on level of maturity, may be left alone for brief periods of time (less than two hours); and,

Children thirteen years and older, who are at an adequate level of maturity, may be left alone and may perform the role of babysitter, as authorized by the parent, for up to twelve hours.   Have an adult visible to receive your small children eight years or younger

SCHOOL BUS STOP SAFETY - THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PUPIL TRANSPORTATION DIVISION - Bus Stop Safety/Behavior

There are serious safety issues for students while waiting at the school bus stop. Students are responsible for their actions and behavior while waiting at the school bus stop. School bus transportation can be denied if students do not conduct themselves properly.

The following are essential behaviors for student safety while at the school bus stop. Students should:

1.   Get up and get ready on time. Arrive at the  bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come.

Students have been struck by their school bus when they arrived late in the boarding process and the bus driver was unaware of their presence. The five minute target ensures the loading of the bus takes place in a routine manner, even if the student is running a couple of minutes late or the bus is running a couple of minutes early. Any break in the normal safety routine places the student in grave danger.

2.   Go back home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus. Get someone you know to take you to school.

Never chase after the bus and never walk to another bus stop. Parents should never drive students to another bus stop. Your bus driver will not be expecting you and you will be in grave danger when approaching the unsuspecting school bus driver. It is better to be late for school and be safe!

Students have been struck by vehicles or by their school bus when they missed their bus and tried to board a school bus at an unscheduled stop. Any break in the normal safety routine places the student in grave danger.

3.   Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you don’t drop anything.

Students have been struck by other vehicles when they dropped something and went after it at the bus stop or struck by their school bus when they dropped something and tried to retrieve it when getting onto the bus.

4.   Wait in a safe place, 12 feet away from traffic.

Students have been struck by passing vehicles at the bus stop when they got too close to traffic.

5.   Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Tell your bus driver, your teacher or your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.

6.   Respect the property of home owners at the bus stop and also keep the noise down.

7.   Respect the rights and safety of other students.

8.   Wait in a “single file” line or in an orderly group.

9.   Avoid horseplay.

10. Refrain from pushing or shoving.

11. Form an orderly line as the bus approaches, with the 1st student in line standing 12 feet away from the road.

12. Keep electronic equipment packed away when preparing to board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds/headphones when boarding. You  MUST be able to hear!

13. Wait before moving to the school bus.

If you need further information regarding bus routes, schedules, or bus policy, call the school your child attends or the Effingham County Board of Education Transportation Office at 754-3574 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Please review the Georgia Department of Education's School Bus Safety resources for handbooks and publications highlighting the importance of bus safety.      

      Loading: Door Side

Stay	on your side of the road, 12 feet away from traffic
Wait	for the bus to stop; for the door to open; and for all traffic to stop from both directions. When it is OK...
Look	for moving traffic both ways as you walk through the danger zone, directly towards the bus door and board the bus without delay.
DANGER - Cars May Not Stop!
Remember: Stay on your side of the road until the bus comes. Stay at least 12 feet away from the edge of the road. Wait for the bus to stop and for the door to open. Do not step towards the bus until YOU look to be sure all traffic has stopped. The stop arm is asking the cars to stop, but they may not stop. If you see a car moving, do not move forward until it has stopped. When it is ok… Continue to look in both directions for moving cars as you walk straight towards the door. Be sure your bus driver can see you. Stay away from the front and rear bus tired and promptly board the bus. Use the handrail. Go directly to your seat.

 
Loading: Crossing the Road

Stay	on your side of the road, 12 feet away from traffic
Wait	for the bus to stop and the stop arm to extend. Wait for your bus driver’s signal to cross. When you get to the edge of the road…
Stop	and look for traffic both ways, then check again. When it is OK…
Look	for moving traffic both ways as you walk directly across the road.
Cross	12 feet in front of the bus in full view of your driver. Be careful in the danger zone and board the bus without delay.
DANGER - Cars May Not Stop!
Remember: Stay on your side of the road until the bus comes. Stay at least 12 feet away from the edge of the road. Wait for the bus to stop and for the door to open. Do not step towards the bus until YOU look to be sure all traffic has stopped. The stop arm is asking the cars to stop, but they may not stop. If you see a car moving, do not move forward until it has stopped. When it is ok… Continue to look in both directions for moving cars as you walk straight towards the door. Be sure your bus driver can see you. Stay away from the front and rear bus tired and promptly board the bus. Use the handrail. Go directly to your seat.

  Unloading: Door Side Safe student behaviors if not required to cross the road after exiting the bus.

Look	for moving traffic in all directions, especially from your right, before you leave the bus. Cars sometimes pass the bus on the right side. When it is OK, continue to…
Look	for moving traffic both ways as you promptly…
Walk	directly away from the bus 12 feet before stopping. You want your bus driver to see you leave the danger zone.
DANGER - Cars May Not Stop!
Remember: YOU must look for moving cars in all directions, especially to your right, before you leave the bus. The stop arm is asking the cars to stop, but they may not stop. If you see a car moving, wait for it to stop. When it is ok… Leave the bus and continue to look for cars in both directions as you … Walk straight away from the bus, in full view of your driver. Keep walking until you get out of the danger zone, 12 feet away from the bus.

  Unloading: Across the Road Safe student behaviors if required to cross the road after exiting the bus.

Look	for moving traffic in all directions, especially to your right, before you exit. Cars sometimes pass the bus on the right side. When OK…
Walk	away from the right door in front of the bus in full view of your driver, going past the extended bus crossing gate. Then stop and…
Wait	for your bus driver’s signal to cross. On their signal, stay 12 feet away from the bus and walk to the center of the road and…
Stop	looking both ways for moving traffic. Wait again for your driver’s signal that it is OK, then continue to…
Look	for moving traffic as you promptly cross and exit 12 feet off the road.
DANGER - Cars May Not Stop!
Remember: YOU must look for cars in all directions, especially the right, before you exit. When it’s ok, walk straight away from the right front of the bus, in full view of your driver until you get past the end of the bus crossing gate. Be careful in the danger zone. Stop and face the center of the road. Wait for your bus driver to signal when it is safe to cross. Then look for moving cars as you walk to the center of the road. Stop there and look both ways for moving cars. The stop arm is asking the cars to stop, but they may not stop. If you see a car moving, wait for it to stop. Wait again for your driver to signal that it is safe to finish crossing. Then continue to look for cars as you walk promptly across and exit 12 feet off of the road.

   Precautions: Parents, Students, and Motorists The following rules have serious potential consequences if not followed. Students who are waiting at the school bus stop and who are loading or unloading a school bus can be at risk of being hit by either the school bus or by passing a vehicle. Students riding a school bus can also be at risk if not seated and seated correctly.   Parents Safety Precautions When Leaving Children at Home Alone - DFCS

• Parents are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children from the time the children leave home in the morning until they board the bus, and at the end of the day from the time their children depart the bus until they arrive home.
• Insure that your child arrives at the designated bus stop 5-10 minutes before the bus arrives
• Talk about bus safety with your child.

  High Priority Safety Rules for Students
  At the Bus Stop

• Get up and get ready on time. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Have all items in your book bag before you leave home so you do not drop anything.
• Wait at the bus stop in a safe place, 12 feet away from traffic.
• Keep electronic equipment packed away as you prepare the board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds when boarding.
• Return home and get help or phone for assistance if you miss the bus.
  • Never chase after the bus.
  • Never walk to another bus stop.
  • Never allow your parents to drive you to another stop.
• Your bus driver will not be expecting you.

The School Bus Danger Zone
The Danger Zone is the 12 foot area that surrounds a stopped school bus where the bus driver might not see you or where card might be moving when you are getting on and off the school bus.

• Stay away from the dangerous areas where it is difficult for the bus driver to see you with his/her direct vision.
  • Near the right and left front tires
  • Near the right rear tires
  • Near the front door
• Make sure you are always able to see the driver when outside the school bus.
• Never return to the bus for something you left behind or dropped without getting the bus driver’s attention.
  • Leave any object and move to a point outside of the danger zone.
  • Then get the driver’s attention by putting your hands and arms above your head and waving.
  • Wait for the driver to see you and give you instructions before returning to the bus or before picking up anything dropped near the bus. If you do not get the driver’s attention, you should not attempt to retrieve the item.
• Be aware of the danger of passing cars that do not stop like they should.
  • The danger may be from cars passing from the rear on the left side of the bus.
  • Or from cars passing from all directions on both the left and right side of the bus.
• Always be alert and focused when near the Danger Zone.

  Loading on the Roadway

• If you do not have to cross the road to get on the bus:
  • Stay 12 feet off the road and wait for the bus to stop.
  • Look to be sure all cars have stopped before walking towards the bus.
  • Look for moving cars as you walk forward.
• If you do have to cross the road to get on the bus:
  • Wait 12 feet off the road and wait for the bus to stop and for the driver’s signal for when it is safe to cross from where you are standing.
  • Look for moving cars as you walk to the edge of the road.
  • Stop at the edge of the road and look both ways to be sure that any moving cars come to a stop.
  • Look both ways for moving cars while walking straight across the road.
  • Cross 12 feet in front of the bus.
• Make sure you can see the bus driver so s/he can see you.
• Leave any item if dropped and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.
• Stay away from the front and rear bus tires.
• Look for moving cars when getting on the bus.
• Listen for the danger signal (the bus horn). If you hear the bus horn, immediately look for and avoid the danger of passing cars that did not stop.

Riding the Bus

• Sit the safe way, facing forward with your back against the back of the seat and your bottom against the bottom of the seat.
• Remain seated at all times and keep the aisles clear.
• Avoid loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver from safely operating the school bus.
• Follow the directions of the school bus driver the first time they are given.
• Remain absolutely quirt at railroad grade crossings. This is a critical moment. The bus driver must be able to hear an approaching train.

Unloading on the Roadway

• Exit your bus only at your assigned stop.
• Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
• Put away any electronic equipment before standing to exit the bus. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds until you are safely 12 feet away from the roadway.
• When going home, wait in the bus aisle for the driver to tell you it is ok to begin to leave the bus.
• When exiting the bus, make sure book bag straps, purses, clothing drawstrings, etc. do not get caught on the handrail or in the door.
• When going home, look for moving cars in all directions, especially to your right, before stepping off the bus.
• If you do not have to cross the road after getting off the bus:
  • Look for cars in both directions as you walk straight away from the bus, in full view of the driver.
  • Keep walking until you are out of the Danger Zone, 12 feet away from the bus.
• If you do have to cross the road after getting off the bus:
  • Walk straight away from the right front of the bus, in the bus driver’s full view.
  • Always be able to see the bus driver (so they can see you).
  • Wait for the driver’s signal that it is safe to cross two different times:
    • At the end of the crossing gate
    • At the center of the road
  • Look for cars to your left and right while walking directly across and exiting 12 feet of the road.
  • Never cross behind the bus.
• Leave any item if dropped or left on the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head then receiving instruction from the bus driver.
• Stay away from the front and rear bus tires
• Listen for the danger signal (bus horn). If you hear the bus blow, immediately look for and avoid the danger of passing cars that did not stop.
• Never get mail from a roadside mailbox. If a car is coming and loses control, it might run off the road.

Unloading at School

• Make sure all items are in your book bag before departing.
• Make sure book bag straps, purses, clothing drawstrings, etc do not get caught on the handrail or in the door.
• Walk (don’t run) without delay straight towards the school.
• Stay away from the bus, so your driver can see you.
• Leave any item if dropped or left on the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head then receiving instruction from the bus driver.
• Keep walking until you get out of the danger zone, 12 feet away from the bus.
• Never walk or run between parked cars and buses.

Loading at School

• Walk straight towards the bus door and be sure your driver can see you.
• Leave any item if dropped near the bus and move to a point out of the 12 foot Danger Zone. Do not retrieve anything without first getting the attention of the bus driver by waving your hands above your head and then receiving instruction from the bus driver.
• Stay away from the front and rear bus tires and promptly board the bus.
• Never chase after a moving bus. Once the buses start moving, you should stop moving.

  Motorists

• Be on the lookout for children. They can appear suddenly and without notice out from behind stopped school buses.
• Please obey the posted speed limit in school zones. Children may be present in the area at any time, but are especially present when the lights on the school zone sign are flashing.
• When the yellow warning lights on the bus flash, this lets motorists know that the bus will be stopping to load or unload students. Please slow down and prepare to stop instead of speeding up to pass the bus.

Transportation Routing & Scheduling Policy  The Effingham County Board of Education provides bus transportation to all eligible resident students. Bus transportation assists and supports both schools and parents in ensuring student attendance, offering safe and efficient access to school campuses from all areas of the county.
The School Superintendent is responsible for bus scheduling and routing and delegates these responsibilities to the Transportation Coordinator. All routing and scheduling shall comply with the existing state and federal laws, and Georgia Board of Education policy. At no time will a bus be operated with an overload of more than 20% of the manufacturer's rated seating capacity. Routes are designed in each school attendance zone, with bus stops established according to the location of students so that they travel the shortest practical distance between home and school. All students shall ride the bus assigned to them, boarding the bus in the morning and getting off the bus in the afternoon at the designated stop closest to their home.

In an effort to maintain the most efficient transportation system possible, the board adheres to the following guidelines when altering any established bus route and/or specific stop:

1. The board does not provide bus transportation to students residing within one and one-half (1-1/2) miles of the school they attend, unless they deem it a safety concern;
2. Students who reside one-quarter (1/4) mile or closer to the scheduled bus route shall be required to meet the bus at a designated stop on the prescribed bus route.
3. If students reside more than one-quarter (1/4) mile from the scheduled bus route, the route shall be altered, so that these students will be picked up at a location within one-quarter mile of their home provided the following criteria are met:

• there must be adequate turn-around space for the bus;
• the road must be adequately maintained so that its condition does not cause excessive wear and damage to the school bus;
• the road must not present any safety hazards for the driver or other riders.
• must be a public road.

Following state safety guidelines, the Effingham County Board of Education will not alter bus routes during inclement weather and will only pick up and drop off students at designated stops. It is the parent's responsibility to have their child/children at the designated bus stop with an umbrella, rain coat or meet the bus in their private vehicle at the bus stop.

During severe weather, the Effingham County Board of Education may delay the pickup and/or drop off of students until they deem it safe.

Students shall comply with all Effingham County School Code of Conduct requirements while traveling on the school bus. Students violating the code while riding the bus are subject to punishment as addressed by the Effingham County School Code of Conduct. Updated: 3/23/2017

Operation Stop Arm: Georgia School Bus Stop Law

STOP: It’s the Law

Operation Stop Arm enforces Georgia’s School Bus Stop Law:

• Two-lane roadway: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
• Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
• Four-lane roadway without a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
• Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane: When school bus stops for passengers, ALL traffic from both directions must stop.
• Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation: When school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.

Decreasing your speed will reduce serious hazards and promote safety awareness. It is important to follow these laws for the safety of bus passengers, and all drivers on the road as well. Failure to comply can result in fines up to a $1000, up to 6 points on a driving record, and other penalties. Promote safety awareness on the road by being vigilant and aware of these laws.

For more information visit: http://www.operationstoparm.info/

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