Buster the Bus teaches safety to schoolchildren

ASH—School bus safety is important for students of all ages to learn, know and follow. Buster the Bus, a remote control school bus that talks, moves and teaches students the importance of bus safety, visits students in Brunswick County Schools.

Kathryn Jacewicz

Waccamaw School kindergarten students laugh at Buster the Bus when he shows off and does a wheelie.

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Kathryn Jacewicz

Waccamaw School kindergarten students try and wake Buster the Bus from his afternoon nap. Buster teaches students bus safety and talks to the children during his presentation.

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Shonda Johnson, safety assistant, brought Buster to Waccamaw School on Friday, where he spoke with kindergarten and first-grade classes. Johnson and Buster taught  students what to do while waiting for the bus, how to enter and exit, how to be a safe rider and other facts about bus safety.

Keeping a safe distance while waiting for the bus was something Johnson stressed. Buster drove himself along the curb where students were sitting to prove the point.

“If a bus came along, it could take some knees and elbows with it,” Johnson said. “You need to take about five giant steps back from the road while waiting for the bus.”

Other safety tips for safe bus riding are:

•Always walk to the bus stop, no running.

•Walk along the sidewalk, not in the street.

•Arrive at the bus stop early.

•Wait until the red lights flash and the safety arm extends before crossing the street or stepping foot onto the bus.

•Always look both ways if crossing the street.

•Enter the bus single file, allowing the other student to enter first.

•Hold onto the handrail when entering and exiting.

•Remain seated and facing forward during the entire ride.

•If you drop something in front of the bus, do not stop in front of the bus. Tell the bus driver and ask permission to go get it.

•Keep safe distance from the bus at all times, including when at stops and when entering and exiting.

•Never touch the emergency exits unless instructed to do in an emergency.

•Keeps your hands to yourself.

•Never talk to strangers while waiting for the bus. If a stranger approaches you, immediately tell the bus driver, a parent, teacher or adult.

“You can never be too safe, and it helps to start early,” Johnson said.

KATHRYN JACEWICZ is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or kjacewicz@brunswickbeacon.com.