New year offers parents/school staff opportunity to recommit to school bus safety - continued

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From The School Bus Information Council. First published by The School Bus Information Council, original story title, "Back-to-School Means Much Greater Safety Risks For Children Who Don't Ride the School Bus," August 16, 1999, Copyright ©1999, All Rights Reserved. Posted by permission.

The School Bus Information Council
Page 2, continued - When survey respondents were told that school buses were indeed the safest form of transportation for children traveling to and from school, 35% said school bus transportation had the greatest need of funding over teacher salaries, repairing existing schools, text books, enrichment/cultural activities and building new schools. According to Martin of the School Bus Information Council, "As school budgets continue to shrink, all too often the first thing cut is pupil transportation – and the safety ramifications of such cuts are not fully appreciated. Parents need to be given all of the safety facts when it comes to children's safety – whether its their safety at school or their safety in getting to and from school."

*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and "School Bus Safety: Safe Passage for America's Children"

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Popular toys may snag on school bus

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Pokemon, Furby, Beanie Babies and other small toys hanging from backpacks pose a safety hazard to children getting off the school bus, according to school transportation experts and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"Fortunately, there have been no deaths or injuries caused by these toys snagging, so we have an opportunity to forewarn parents and school officials," said Michael Martin of the School Bus Information Council. In the past eight years, six children have been killed and 22 injured when clothing, backpacks or other loose items snagged on bus components, Martin said.

Officials from both organizations agree that there is nothing wrong with the toys themselves, but that when they dangle they become as dangerous as loose drawstrings, straps and other items.

"We always err on the side of caution," said Rosalyn G. Millman, acting administrator of NHTSA. "The most effective way to prevent problems is for parents and caregivers to ensure that children do not wear or carry anything likely to become entangled."

NHTSA School Bus Safety Document Index An excellent library of School bus safety brochures, reports and activity pages - PDF format
Michael's Death
A mom writes about the day a school bus accident changed her life forever.
Top Prioriy Poll
What "should" be the school bus driver's top Priority? Note: Non 2safeschools members can participate in this poll by clicking on GUEST at login.
Seat Belts Poll
Should America's school buses be equipped with seat belts? Note: Non 2safeschools members can participate in this poll by clicking on GUEST at login
How to help keep kids safe
Tips to parents and school staff on helping to keep kids safe at school and on the schools bus.
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I ain't hankering to die yet!
THE WAY IT WAS - "The greatest moment of my life was when every single thing was against me." 1939 interview of an 87 year old Warren, Massachusetts man.

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