Commitment to Safety

Q: How safe is the school bus?

A: The National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other authorities agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school. some 470,000 school buses transport 25 million children-more than half of America’s school children- each day, and complete 10 billion passenger trips and 4.3 billion miles per year, almost always without a serious incident. Rohrer Bus Service provides transportation services to thirteen school districts in Pennsylvania, operating a fleet of over 400 school buses.

Riding in a school bus is much safer than using any other form of transportation including personal vehicles and railroad and airline travel. According to the Transportation Research Board, part of the National Academy of Sciences, a child is 13 times safer in a school bus than in other modes of travel. Children driving to school or riding with other teenagers are 44 times more likely to be fatally injured than in a school bus. (“The Relative Risks of School Travel,”2002.)

The American School Bus Council and Rohrer Bus Service work to keep school buses safe, secure and reliable.

Student Safety Rules
So you are starting off to school? What an exciting time, so let’s make it a safe journey by learning the safety rules for traveling to school by a school bus.

At the bus stop:

• Arrive at your bus stop on time.
• Wait in line on the curb until the bus doors are open.
• If you miss the bus, do not run after it.
• Do not carry big and clumsy objects on the bus.
• Use the hand rail to get on and off the bus.

On the bus:

• Remain seated facing the front of the bus at all times.
• Keep arms, legs, and carry-on items out of the aisles.
• Keep arms, hands, head, and feet inside the bus.
• Get the driver’s permission to open or close the windows.
• Keep food and drinks in your backpack or lunch bags.
• Throwing objects could cause serious injuries.
• Avoid distracting the driver.
• Keep your hands and your feet to yourself.
• Always talk quietly.
• Do not use radios or other audio equipment.

Getting off the bus:

• Beware of the bus danger zones.
• When approaching or leaving the bus, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
• If you can touch the bus when you’re walking beside it, you’re too close.
• Wait for the signal from the driver before crossing the street.
• If you drop something, ask a patrol or an adult to get it for you. Never get it yourself!

Rohrer Bus is always looking for input on the driving habits of their drivers. If a driver is seen driving a Rohrer vehicle in an unsafe manner, it is important for us to be contacted and provided with the following information.

1. Location
2. Time
3. Date
4. Vehicle # (four digits)
5. Type of complaint

The safety department will investigate all complaints and take remedial action when required. It is important for Rohrer Bus to have safe and professional drivers on the road. We can accomplish this if everyone works together to attain this goal.

Dress Smart
Wear bright colors so drivers can see you. Be careful with dangling strings or anything that could become caught on the bus handrail when getting on or off the bus.

Be at the bus stop early.
Always allow extra time in the morning so you don’t have to rush to the bus stop.

Don’t stand on the road
At your bus stop wait away from the road in a safe place. Watch traffic and stay away from strangers. Don’t horseplay with your friends at the bus stop.

Wait till the red lights of the bus come on
After the red lights of the bus come on, check traffic both ways before crossing. Make sure any approaching cars stop before crossing. Cars don’t always stop for the red lights.

Wait till the bus comes to a complete stop
Board the bus in a safe manner. Don’t shove or push. Sit down in your assigned seat as soon as you can. Standing or walking while the bus is in motion could result in you being injured.

Stay 10 steps or more in front of the bus
Make sure the bus driver can see you at all times. If you can’t see the bus driver’s face, he/she can’t see you. Walk at least 10 steps in front of the bus. Never walk behind the bus or near the wheels. If you drop an item, always tell the driver and retrieve it after the bus leaves. Never reach under the bus or bend down in front of the bus.

Keep your head and hands inside the bus
Never put your head or hands outside the bus. Do not throw items out the bus window or lean against the window.

Do not block the aisle
Pack your things in a book bag. Do not play with toys on the bus. Balls, yo-yos, etc, could fall and roll under the driver’s feet and/or pedals causing an accident. Keep your bag on your lap. You must keep the aisle clear at all times. Your parents must transport large items.

Stay in your assigned seat
When the bus is approaching your stop, get your items together and be ready to discharge promptly. For your own safety, stay in your seat till the bus comes to a full stop.

Do not bother the bus driver
The bus driver has a large responsibility and should not be distracted. Do not make loud, excessive noise. This may distract the driver and could result in an accident. You may talk quietly to the person sitting next to you. Please don’t yell.

SAFETY DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 100, Routes 11&15
1515 State Road
Duncannon, PA 17020

Phone: (717)957-3811
Toll Free: 1-866-735-7200
Fax: (717) 957-0104

Safety Director

Phone: (717)957-3811 ext. 1306

Email: shoffmaster@rohrerbus.com

Each school day, 25 million children are transported to and from school a distance of 23 million miles on 450,000 school buses.

Each school day, 25 million children use various other means to get to and from school each day.

Less than 10 school bus passenger fatalities occur each year.

448 fatalities occur in passenger vehicles to or from school with a teenage driver.
169 fatalities occur in passenger vehicles to or from school with an adult driver.

Less than 17 pedestrian fatalities occur during school bus stops each year.

17 pedestrian and bicycle rider fatalities occur to or from school.

When specifically compared as a mode of transportation to and from school, school buses are at least 8 times safer than all other combined modes.

• A Comprehensive Guide To School Bus Safety
• 6 Tips For Driving Safely This Summer
• School Bus Requirements For The State Of Pennsylvania