Dean Transportation Offers Winter School Bus Safety Tips
Protecting students in our community is a role we can all play
It’s a Michigan reality: students, parents and motorists will at some point battle a Michigan winter morning with its icy roads and below-freezing temperatures. Children have to face some uncomfortably cold days walking to and waiting at the bus stop. Parents are likely more concerned about their kids’ safety as they walk to their bus stops on slippery roads from a late-night snow fall.
To help create a safer transportation environment for all on the road, Dean Transportation encourages parents and motorists to consider using these precautionary measures.
Parents of Students:
- Check for Area Weather and School Alerts
Before heading to bed each night, check the next day’s forecast. Typically, your weather authority will have information on what the next morning’s conditions may be like. This gives you an opportunity to prepare and avoid being in a rush the next morning when conditions may call for a longer commute or a slippery route walking to the bus stop. If you see that snow or a weather advisory has been issued, be sure to check your school district’s notification system for information on potential closures or delays.
Make sure your children are properly clothed to combat the cold when they walk to and wait at their bus stop. This is especially important when conditions reach negative temperatures and can be harmful to exposed skin. Have them wear a warm, preferably water-resistant jacket, a hat, gloves and even a scarf to ensure your student is comfortable and protected from the elements.
- Stay Alert, Minimize Distractions
Teach your children to be on the lookout for traffic, slick ice spots and other hazards on the way to their bus stop. Students should limit their use of headphones, cell phones and other distractors on their commute to ensure they can see and hear incoming vehicles. Teach them to always stay safe by being on high alert.
- Leave for the Bus Stop Earlier
In the early mornings, it’s likely that not all neighbors have had the opportunity to plow their driveways or place salt. Students should be equipped with proper footwear that keeps them safe from slipping and ankle injuries. Students should leave with ample time to safely arrive at the bus stop. Taking off a few minutes earlier can prevent them from not only missing their ride, but accidentally slipping on ice and hurting themselves while rushing to make it on time. Students should give themselves the opportunity to take it slow and be cautious of the pathways ahead.
Just like you, bus drivers are taking their time on wintery roads. Unpredictable traffic and road delays can happen after a fresh snow fall. Rest assured that they are on their way, and please remain patient as you await their arrival.
Motorists:
- Watch for Stopped School Buses
While typically it’s difficult to miss a big yellow school bus, in low-visibility conditions anything can become obscured from view and depth perception can be compromised. Keep your eyes on the road and look out for busses that may stop to pick up students. If conditions are icy, allow additional space to ensure you do not slide into a bus making a stop.
Like our bus drivers and students, we encourage you to be prepared in case of an emergency. We recommend you create an emergency kit to leave in your vehicle that includes items like warm blankets, extra accessories, flares or roadway signals, and first aid. In the event of an emergency involving you, a fellow motorist or a pedestrian, these items can make the difference between life and death.
- Complete Annual Vehicle Maintenance
Minimize the chances of your car breaking down or causing an accident by getting it in for routine maintenance. Items that should be on the top of your list in the winter months include tires, brake pads and car batteries. In cold conditions, batteries can lose their charge and leave you stranded. Slippery conditions call for tires with good traction and brake pads with good integrity. If it fits in your budget, owning a separate set of snow tires is an excellent solution for improving control of your vehicle in poor conditions.
Take it easy. Slow down and allow more space between you and other vehicles. This is the best way to avoid causing an accident all year round, but especially in the winter. Stay alert and drive with care as you travel in pedestrian-heavy areas where school busses and students are likely to be present. If you’re commuting to work or an early appointment, leave early to give yourself time to arrive at your destination on time without need to rush.
