Broward Schools recommends people driving near schools, buses, and school bus stops use heightened awareness to keep students safe whether they walk to school or ride the bus. 

Making sure children are safe in and around the school bus is our priority. The following list is an important reminder for parents and students of all ages and highlights safe bus behaviors: 

• Students should arrive at the assigned bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before the published bus stop time. 
• Students nine (9) years old or younger should be escorted to the bus stop by a responsible adult. Parents/guardians should assure that students dress appropriately for the weather, rain gear for inclement conditions, proper footwear for walking to and from and waiting at the bus stop. 
• 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 must 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 falling. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and book bags with straps don’t get caught in the handrails or doors. 
• Never walk behind the bus. 
• Walk at least three giant steps (6 feet) 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. 
• The bus stop and the school bus are considered extensions of the classroom and students are expected to observe the same code of discipline expected in the school classroom. 
• Students are not allowed to eat, drink or chew gum while on the school bus. 
• Students are expected to abide by the school bus operator's instructions while boarding the bus, on the bus and when departing the bus, at the bus stop or school location. 

Slow Down/Expect Delays: 

• Expect school bus delays in the first few weeks of school due to traffic congestion around campuses, schools regulating dismissals, and students becoming familiar with their bus drivers. 
• Back to School Means Sharing the Road with additional traffic on roads, in school zones and on school campuses.  
• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. 
• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely. 
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. 
• Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops. 
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. 
• Learn and obey the school bus laws: 
• Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. 
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. 

School Zones

• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk and pay attention to crossing guards. 

Buses on the Road: 

• If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. 
• It is illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children. 
• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. 
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. 

Requesting Changes/Adding Bus Stop Locations: 

• Major bus stop changes will be considered after September 2nd, so routes can be stabilized and leveled.  
• Many students are not enrolled until after school starts; therefore, Student Transportation & Fleet Services cannot get a true analysis of the need until after that time. 
• Parents are encouraged to contact the Transportation Liaison at their child’s school for bus stop/route information. 

"If you or anyone you know has witnessed or is concerned about student safety, reckless driving, or inappropriate behavior on the bus, please contact 754-321-4400. Please provide as much detail as possible, including location, time, bus number, etc."