School Bus Safety

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

There are so many different concerns at the start of the school year that parents find themselves pushed in many directions, especially when the children are young and first going off to school.

One of the suggestions that I have for parents is to take a look at the typical school day for your child and try to figure out where there may be potential health risks.

One of the first potential risks for many children is taking the school bus.

The National Safety Council has some tips for school bus safety:

• They suggest that kids should wait for the bus far away from traffic. Stay on the sidewalk, and pay attention to passing cars.

• Use the handrail while entering and exiting the bus. Don't approach the bus until it has completely stopped, and the door is open.

• Allow at least 10 feet clearance if you cross the street in front of the bus. Wait for the driver to tell you that it's safe to cross. Make sure the driver can see where you are.

Common sense is the rule!