STOCKTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
701 N. Madison, Stockton, CA 95202 • 209-933-7000

 

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SUSD 2011-2012
 BUS SCHEDULES
 

 

 
Bus Stop Tips:

Since there may be several buses picking up children in the same area, we recommend ...

  • Before the school year begins, you and your child visit the arranged bus pick-up location.
  • Be sure your child knows the safest way to the exact location where the bus will stop.
  • When taking your child to the bus stop on the first day, it is important to be at the pick-up location at least five minutes early.
  • Your child should know the route number and the name of this year's school. This will insure that your child will board the correct bus.
  • You and your child should become familiar with your bus driver, but be aware that a different driver may substitute when needed.

    Helpful Hints

School Bus Safety
from the National Safety Council - NCS.org

For some 22 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. Unfortunately, each year many children are injured and several are killed in school bus incidents.

Although drivers of all vehicles are required to stop for a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload passengers, children should not rely on them to do so. The National Safety Council encourages parents to teach their children these rules for getting on and off the school bus.

 

Rules for getting
on and off the school bus
 

Getting on the school bus

  • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
  • Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
  • Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
  • Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the bus

  • When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
  • Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
  • Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
  • Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
  • At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the hand rail.

Getting off the school bus

  • top view of school bus showing the danger zone and five giant steps (a)If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver.
  • Make sure that the driver can see you.
  • Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
  • When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
  • Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
  • Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.

Correct way to cross the street

  • Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.
  • They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
  • If students' vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again.

Learn and follow School Bus Stop Laws

stopped school bus with sign out and lights flashing (b)Laws exist to protect children getting on and off the bus AND protect you from a tragedy. Check with your school or police department for more information on your state's laws. Here are some rules:

Vehicles must stop when the bus displays flashing red warning lights and extends the stop signal arm (B). Vehicles may not pass until the flashing red lights and signals are turned off.

Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In some states, vehicles moving in the opposite direction on a divided roadway are also required to stop.

Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.

Violation of these laws can result in a citation and fine. In many places, school bus drivers can report passing vehicles.

California Department of Vehicles
Driver's Handbook Regarding School Bus Stoppings

Image of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.Stopped school buses and children
crossing the street.
      Some school buses flash yellow lights when preparing to stop and let children off the bus. The yellow flashing lights warn
you to slow down and prepare to stop. When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing.

    The law requires you to remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing (VC §22454). If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year. If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane (two or more lanes in each direction) highway, you do not need to stop.

 

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