School buses transport over 800,000 Ontario students each day, traveling nearly two million kilometers. Despite being one of the safest forms of transportation, the OPP reported nine crashes involving school buses across southwestern Ontario in just the past month.
Fortunately, no students were injured in these crashes, but these incidents highlight the need for increased efforts from the community to ensure safety.
Increased awareness and shared responsibility between drivers, students, and parents can go along way to help our children to travel on buses more safely.
What Parents Can Do to Keep Children Safe During School Bus Travel
As a parent in Windsor, your guidance can help children learn important bus transportation habits recommended by the OPP to keep them safer every day. Children who understand and follow safety rules are less likely to be injured in loading zones, where most bus-related accidents occur. Just a few minutes each week to review these safety measures with your child, could help prevent a horrible accident.
Prepare Your Child Before the Bus Arrives
Have your child ready and at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Teaching basic road awareness and establishing a consistent morning routine helps to prevent dangerous rushing and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
Teach Proper Boarding and Exiting Procedures
Show your child how to wait at a safe distance until the bus comes to a complete stop with its red lights flashing. Explain the importance of using handrails when boarding and remaining seated during the entire drive. Most importantly, demonstrate how to cross streets properly. The safest way to cross these vehicles is to always walk in front of the bus, never behind it, and making eye contact with the driver before crossing.
Dress for Safety and Visibility
During winter months and on darker mornings, try dressing your child in bright, visible clothing. Avoid clothing with dangling drawstrings or toggles that could catch on bus handrails or doors. Backpacks should be properly sized and worn with both straps to prevent balance issues when boarding or exiting the bus.
Communicate With School Staff
Local communities drive safety, so it can help to get to know your area’s bus drivers and school transportation staff. Report any safety concerns immediately. If your child mentions unsafe conditions or behaviors on the bus, take these reports seriously and discuss them with school administrators.
Greg Monforton & Partners: Committed to Protecting Windsor’s Children
At Greg Monforton & Partners, we believe every child deserves safe transportation to and from school. Our commitment to Windsor’s families extends beyond legal representation to actively advocating for transportation safety in our community.
If you or your child has been injured in a school bus-related accident, our Windsor personal injury lawyers are prepared to help. Our trusted law firm is dedicated to protecting the injured and securing compensation for medical costs, emotional trauma, and other damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Your family’s well-being is our priority, let us help you navigate the justice system while you focus on healing.
Let’s Keep Our Children Safe (866) 320-4770