Now that school is back in session, those familiar yellow school buses are back on the road.  According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the greatest risk to a child’s safety is not riding the bus, but approaching or leaving the bus.

“As a parent, it’s important to teach your children of common sense practices that can make their school bus experience safer,” says Debbie Leger, RN, BSN, CCRN, Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Safe Kids Catawba County Coordinator.  “Even if they’ve taken the bus before, it never hurts to review safe school bus practices together.”

• Following are the NHTSA’s tips for children who ride school buses:
• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that loose clothing and book bags don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

For more information about school bus safety and other important safety practices for kids, visit or call Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall, 828/485-2300.