If Your Child Rides the Bus:

• Make sure your child knows their bus number and stop.

• Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.

• Teach them to wait away from the street and not approach the bus until it stops completely.

• Remind them to always use the handrail and walk, never run.

• Go over bus rules: stay seated, keep hands to themselves, no yelling or rough play.

Parents (or a trusted adult) should stand at the bus stop with their child:

• Safety from traffic: Younger children especially may not always pay attention to cars. Adults can help make sure they stay back from the curb and cross safely.
• Protection from strangers: Having an adult present helps deter strangers who may approach children. It also gives kids someone to talk to if they feel unsafe.
• Helps teach good habits: When parents wait with their child, they can model safe behaviors — like standing back from the road, waiting until the bus stops completely, and boarding calmly.
• Reduces horseplay: Kids waiting alone or in groups without adults may run into the street, push, or roughhouse. Adult supervision keeps them focused on safety.
• Peace of mind: Parents can see the bus arrive, know their child got on safely, and ensure they aren’t left behind.

Louisiana School Bus Stop Law (R.S.32:80)

• All drivers must stop at least 30 feet from a school bus that has activated its flashing red lights and extended stop arm, whether approaching from the same or opposite direction—unless the road is a divided highway with a median or barrier.
• Drivers may proceed only after the bus driver turns off the signals and closes the stop arm.

If Your Child Walks:

• Plan the safest route together and practice it.
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing.
• Remind them not to talk to strangers or accept rides.
• Walk with a buddy when possible.

If Your Child Bikes:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Follow all traffic signs and signals.
• Use bike lanes where available.
• Wear bright clothes and use lights or reflectors.

If You Drive (Carpool):

• Follow school drop-off and pick-up rules—don’t block lanes.
• Stay off your phone in school zones.
• Never double park; it blocks visibility for children and other drivers.
• Watch for children walking or biking at all times.

Quick Safety Check:

• Does your child know your phone number & address?
• Do they know who is allowed to pick them up?
• Have an emergency plan in case of bad weather or early dismissal.
• Teach your child: cars must stop 30 ft away when red lights & stop arm are out.
• Always cross 10–15 ft in front of the bus only after the driver signals.
• Reinforce that buses only stop in safe zones (shoulder, not in traffic lanes).
• Educate children to watch for cars passing illegally and to wait until the bus signals are fully cleared.

Important Rules/Laws:

• Louisiana law requires drivers to stop for school buses loading or unloading.
• Remind children to never cross behind the bus—always cross in front where the driver can see them.