How to stay safe at the bus stop

(WISH) – School is getting underway for many students across central Indiana and parents should be thinking about how to keep their children safe while they are waiting for the bus.

Gary Woodruff with the Lawrence Police Department shared several tips with 24-Hour News 8.

• Always walk to the bus stop. Never run.
• Walk on the sidewalk. Walk safely when approaching or leaving the bus stop. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left facing oncoming traffic. When it is necessary to cross the street at the bus stop, cross only in front of the bus when signaled by the driver. The driver must be able to see the student cross in front of the bus.
• Plan arrival times with other students, parents and guardians to avoid waiting at the bus stop alone. Be at the bus stop on time. In consideration of other students, the driver is not expected to wait. It also never hurts to have a responsible adult, parent or guardian monitor the bus stop.
• While at the bus stop, wait in a safe place away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents or guardian if a stranger approaches, tries to talk to you, offer anything, or pick you up.
• Wait for the bus to arrive, watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended, and cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left, right and left again before crossing
• Respect private property near bus stops. Help protect surrounding property while waiting for the bus.
• Provide necessary protection for the weather conditions for your child while walking to and from the bus stop. Caution your child to take proper safety precautions while waiting at the bus stop. Extra caution is needed during times of adverse road/weather conditions.