Run regular safety drills and sessions with the children about bus safety. The children need to understand how to approach a bus stop, how to wait in line and how to embark and disembark. For instance, the children should learn not to rush in front of a bus or get on or off while the bus is moving.
Encourage parents to accompany their children to the bus stop and to wait with them, particularly if they are young children. Schools can also involve parents in safety sessions and ask them to remind their children about standing in orderly lines.
Ensure that children wear seat belts if the buses are fitted with them. It is a good idea to have a responsible adult on board the bus, as well as the driver, to check that the children are wearing them.
Ask drivers to report any defects or concerns they have about the vehicles. Give incentives to retain good, experienced bus drivers.
Evaluate your technology. Introduce or add more video surveillance cameras and other technology, such as systems to see children in low-light situations.
