OWASSO, Okla. — Nearly 10,000 Owasso school district students headed back to the classroom Thursday. Many of those students come to the first day of school by bus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when riding the bus.
That's because buses are designed for safety with flashing lights, stop signs, big mirrors, and their bright yellow paint.
However, the 10-foot area around a school bus is the most dangerous, according to the National Safety Council. That's why parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about how to do their part to stay safe.
At the bus stop, kids should arrive early and stand 6 feet away from the curb. Visibility is crucial to bus drivers, and if the child is running to the bus stop late the driver may not be able to see them.
When around the bus, never walk behind the bus, always walk in front, and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
If a kid drops something near the bus, instruct them not to pick it up immediately but first alert the bus driver.
Parents should also talk to their kids about looking both ways before crossing any road.
Owasso Public Schools has 22 dedicated crossing guards that help provide safety for students each school day.
Trending Stories:
- Little Leaguer speaks about his act of sportsmanship
- DOWNLOAD the 2 News Oklahoma app for alerts
- Tulsa police reunite missing 4-year-old with family
- FOLLOW 2 News Oklahoma on Facebook
- Izzy Kitterman's bright future begins with new chapter
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
