A USER GUIDE FOR PARENTS - Durham Student Transportation
Contents
1. of the students this includes school bus safety programs One element of DSTS school bus safety program is the important role parents share in reinforcing school bus safety Please take the time to review the following safety procedures with your child ren BUS STOP LOCATIONS Students should arrive at the bus stop 5 10 minutes before the scheduled pick up time and properly dressed for the weather Please keep in mind clothing with drawstrings long scarves and other clothing items can pose a danger to children if caught on the bus Children should wait in a safe place well back from the side of the road If students must cross the road to board the bus wait until the bus has arrived and all traffic has stopped then wait for the signal from the bus driver before crossing Please walk never run Hold the handrail board the bus in single file and wait your turn to board Parents are encouraged to have elementary children accompanied to the bus stop and met at the bus stop after school door stops Check with your daycare to ensure Note that not all daycare facilities receive door to that someone is accompanying your child ren to and from the designated bus stop It is important for all parents and students to recognize that a danger zone exists in the immediate vicinity of school buses This area is generally defined as a three meter perimeter around the bus At every opportunity students should be r2. MOTORISTS AND SCHOOL BUSES By law traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus is stopped with overhead red lights flashing and stop arm activated This law applies everywhere regardless of posted speed and number of lanes on highways country roads city town or village streets The only exception is when the road has a median strip separating traffic travelling in opposite directions Motorists on any road approaching a stopped school bus with its overhead alternating red signal lights flashing must always stop at least 20 meters 65 feet before reaching the bus Motorists may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion the red lights have stopped flashing and stop arm has retracted If you witness a motor vehicle not respecting the school bus stopping laws or a bus not abiding by proper safety standards please contact DSTS directly or your local police STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS Should your child ren have any medical conditions or life threatening allergies please contact the school so that it may be communicated to DSTS and the bus company The bus company will ensure that the bus driver is aware of those conditions and know how to respond should a medical emergency involving your child occur while on the bus Medical Alert Luggage Tags are available through the school This tag can be attached to the child s back pack to aid in identification if needed INCLEMENT WEATHER In the event of i
3. der a seat Large loose objects on a seat or child s lap may become a projectile if the bus makes a sudden stop Ice skates or other sports equipment must be carried in a sports bag and stowed completely under the seat For the safety of all on the bus parents are expected to provide transportation for their children when large or bulky or large items like projects and sports equipment must be taken to and from school
4. eminded to stay clear of the danger zone Your assistance in helping your child ren recognize and keep clear of this area at all times is paramount to a sound school bus safety program Please remind your child ren to never run behind or in front of the bus to pick up something that was dropped in the danger zone ONBOARD SAFETY RULES Please review these rules with your child ren Take your seat right away and remain seated on the bus until leaving the bus Aisles are to be kept clear at all times Backpacks etc should be kept under the seat or on your lap Avoid distracting the driver or behaving in a way that requires the bus driver to stop the bus Never throw objects inside the bus or out the windows Windows should only be opened with permission from the driver GETTING OFF THE BUS Students should always remember Have belongings organized and secured before arriving at the stop Remain seated on the bus until the vehicle comes to a full stop Walk to the front of the vehicle and use the handrail when getting off the bus Get off the bus only at the designated stop Move away from the school bus remembering the danger zone EQUIPMENT ON BUSES In the interest of safety and keeping the aisles clear for evacuations only certain equipment is allowed on school vehicles under the following conditions Musical Instruments must be housed in cases and is of a size that can be stowed completely un
5. nclement weather the bus may be delayed or cancelled If the bus starts its route after a delay afternoon transportation runs as normal If the bus does not start the run in the morning no afternoon transportation is provided In the event of an unexpected transportation emergency poor road conditions or extreme cold weather delays it is important that parents or guardians have a contingency plan in place Parents make the final decision in sending children to school during inclement weather Unexpected emergencies and bus delays of ten minutes or more will be posted on the DSTS website Cancellations due to weather are also posted on the DSTS website and communicated to local news and radio stations For information about your drop off pick up location or bus number please call the automated line IVR For further questions please contact the office by phone or email CONTACT US IVR 1 866 908 6578 or 905 666 6979 Office 1 800 240 6943 or 905 666 6395 Website www dsts on ca DSTS SCHOOL BUS SAFETY INFORMATION SCHOOL _ Bus STOP A USER GUIDE FOR PARENTS DURHAM STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES manages and facilitates the delivery of student transportation services for approximately 28 000 students of both Durham District and Durham Catholic District School Boards DSTS works with both School Boards to develop transportation policies and regulations in order to promote and ensure the safety
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