¤ Take young children to the bus stop and look after them until the bus arrives. Other parents could help share this responsibility.

¤ Young children must be met when the bus returns from school - youngsters are often excited and forget road safety as they get off the bus.

¤ Teach your children the safety rules. Do they understand the rules for pupils contained in this article?

¤ Help the bus drivers. Remind young people that playing about at bus stops and on the buses can cause serious accidents and injuries.

¤ Warn children that persistent bad behaviour affecting the safety of the bus could possibly result in the pupil being banned from using the bus.

¤ Make sure unaccompanied children know the safest route between home and the bus stop. The shortest route may not be the safest. Be sure children know the safest place to cross busy roads.

¤ Unfortunately, there is always a risk that a bus may not be able to carry out a journey due to circumstances beyond the schools's control or that of the operator. Ensure that your children know what to do if they are unable to get on a bus.

Young pupils

At the bus stop...

¤ Do not play at the bus stop.

¤ Do not stand too near the road while waiting for a bus.

¤ Do not push and shove when the bus arrives.

¤ Do not go near bus wheels.

¤ Do not go near the bus until it has stopped.

¤ Do not go back to the bus once you have got off.

¤ Do not cross the road near the bus.

On the bus...

¤ Do not stand or walk around while the bus is moving.

¤ Do not misbehave. You could distract the driver and cause an accident.

¤ If you do misbehave you may be reported.

Older pupils

¤ Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Running to catch the bus is dangerous and can lead to injuries.

¤ Do not fool around near the road while waiting for a bus.

¤ When the bus approaches, stand well away from the street.

¤ See that younger pupils get well clear of the bus.

¤ Wait until the bus stops before stepping onto it.

¤ Always sit fully in the seat and face forward.

¤ Never stand on a moving bus.

¤ Never stick anything out of the window (arms, legs, head, bag etc.)

¤ Obey the driver.

¤ Don't scream or shout on the bus or distract the driver in any other way.

¤ Wait until the bus stops before getting off.

¤ When getting off the bus, be careful that clothing or backpacks don't get caught in the handrails or door.

¤ Use the handrails to avoid falls.

¤ If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up, because the driver might not be able to see you.

¤ Never walk behind the bus.

Motorists

¤ Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits.

¤ Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers.

¤ Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no pavements. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

¤ When driving near a school, watch for children who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.