Most mishaps take place outside the bus, so here are some precautions you can take:

• Don't let your children arrive at the stop too early. They may be tempted to wander or get into mischief.
• Make sure they know what to do if they miss the bus: come back home; or if at school, report to a teacher – and never, never accept a ride from a stranger.
• If the stop is a long way from home, plan and discuss with your children where they can go in an emergency.
• If it is dark on the way to or from the bus, make your children visible. Use retro-reflective tape on their clothing and avoid dark colors.
• Make sure they wait well away from the roadway, and stay well back until the bus has comes to a full stop and the door opens.
• Explain they must walk at least three metres (10 feet) away when crossing in front of the bus so the driver can see them.
• Forbid running, pushing and horseplay!
• Tell your children to come straight home from the bus no detours.

Source: Canada Safety Council www.safety-council.org