School Bus Safety & Rules

School buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school. The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is getting on and off the bus. Learning good bus riding habits can help keep students safe. Bellevue school bus drivers will review safety tips with students on their school buses. Watch the videos below for more important school bus safety tips from our drivers.

Any violation of these rules may result in a conduct citation or possibly a bus suspension. If you have any questions or comments, please call (425) 456-4576.

Loading & Unloading

Getting On the Bus

https://youtu.be/bm3N0dBXSR8

Arrive to the bus stop five minutes early.
Never run for the bus.
Wait in line 10 feet away from where the bus stops.
Wait until the bus stops and the doors open before approaching the bus.
If you have to cross, wait for the driver signal.
Cross in front of the bus, never behind.

Getting Off the Bus

https://youtu.be/tc9cg-ZftQg

Wait until the bus is stopped and the door is open before standing up.
No pushing or shoving while unloading the bus.
Wait for the bus driver signal before crossing and look both ways before crossing. Watch for traffic!
Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.

The Danger Zone

https://youtu.be/GBOS1p-R9zQ

The danger zone is 10 feet around the outside of the bus.
It can be hard for the bus driver to see you inside of this area.
If something falls under or near the bus, tell the bus driver. NEVER try to pick it up yourself.

Stay Safe, Stay Seated

https://youtu.be/86H6XPZFE98

Sitting down on the bus is equivalent to wearing a seat belt in a car.
If you stand up, it is like taking your seat belt off.
Stay in your seat and talk quietly so the driver is not distracted. Only change seats with the permission.

Be Prepared

https://youtu.be/2ZXBfvY-Iv8

Keep books and bags on your lap and out of the aisle.
Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
Know your bus stop location and do not get off at any other bus stop without permission.

Stop Paddle Camera Program

In 2017 the Bellevue School District implemented a pilot stop paddle camera program on two of its buses. The experiment showed an average of three violations a day just on these two buses. In October 2018 the district installed stop paddle cameras on 20 percent of its bus fleet. The goal of this program is to improve student safety.

There was a grace period in December 2018 when violators of bus safety laws received a warning and not a citation. Enforcement began when students returned from Winter Break in January 2019 and drivers who have illegally passed a school bus since then have been issued a $419 ticket.

The program continues to run throughout the summer months for our students attending summer school. During the summer of 2019 we installed eight more cameras on our buses, with a focus on buses that transport our special education students.

We feel fortunate that a student has not been severely hurt and want to put preventive measures in place to make the public aware of the issue and reduce the likelihood of an accident. Our hope is that a greater number of drivers will stop as required for school buses and the number of violations will diminish over the lifetime of this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a school bus violation?

A school bus violation occurs when a motorist passes a school bus after the school bus has come to a complete stop with its stop arm extended and lights flashing.

Remember:

You must ALWAYS stop if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions need to stop.
If there are three or more lanes, or a divided roadway, you are not required to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus.
Please keep in mind, that even if you are not required to stop, you need to proceed with caution.
Failure to stop for a school bus can run you a $419 citation.

To read Washington’s law on stopping for school buses, you can visit the state Legislature’s website.

2-lane roadway: both directions stop

3 plus lanes: stop if traveling same direction as bus

Turning lane: stop if traveling same direction as bus

Median: stop if traveling same direction as bus

What are stop paddle cameras?

Stop paddle cameras are similar to cameras at traffic lights. When a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students, the bus driver puts on the amber lights, followed by the red lights and then the stop paddle is extended prior to opening the door for students. When stop paddles are extended, drivers are required to follow state laws regarding stopping and waiting. The size of the road and the direction of travel dictate which vehicles are expected to stop.

What is the goal of the program?

Why are you implementing these stop paddle cameras?

Bus drivers are concerned with student safety and worry every time the door is opened. In 2017 we implemented a pilot program on two of buses. This experiment showed an average of three violations a day just on these two buses. We feel fortunate that a student has not been severely hurt up to now and want to put preventive measures in place to make the public aware of the issue and reduce the likelihood of an accident.

When was the program implemented?

Will these cameras be on all BSD buses?

In October 2018, cameras were installed on 27 BSD buses – which is 20 percent of the fleet. The specific bus routes will vary and will be determined based on bus driver feedback, route analysis, traffic patterns and law enforcement violation statistics. Cameras will be used on routes with the highest risk for students and will change over the course of the school year.

During the summer of 2019 we will have eight more cameras installed on our buses, with a focus on buses that transport our special education students.

School Bus Rules

Remain seated at all times while the bus is moving
Keep the aisles clear
No food or drink allowed on the bus
Inside voices at all times
Classroom conduct at all times on the bus
No fighting/hitting on the bus
Keep your hands inside of the bus.
No bulling/harassing other students
No pushing or shoving while unloading
No spitting
No abusive or inappropriate language is allowed on the bus
Follow the directions of the bus driver

Additional Information

Students are not allowed to get off at another bus stop beside their assigned bus stop without permission. A signed note from a parent/guardian along with a school administrator signature, will be accepted. The note will only be good for that one time only.
Students who need to ride a different bus, must get authorization. This is contingent on space availability on the bus.
If you live inside the school transportation service area and want to permanently change bus stops, a Transportation Alternate Bus Route/Stop Request Form must be filled out and authorized before any stop changes can take effect.