Linden Schools Share Bus Safety Rules for Families and Drivers

According to Linden Public Schools' announcement.

Getting more than 1,200 children to school and back home safely is a daily job, and Linden Public Schools says it takes everyone. The district runs 50 bus routes, and it is asking families, students and drivers across Linden to share that responsibility.

The district provides busing through three companies: Villani Bus Company, George Dapper Inc. and J&J Transportation. Service includes pickups from door to door and at neighborhood corner stops. The district reports quarterly bus inspections and requires aides, cameras and seat belt use on every bus. Two medical buses each carry a nurse and an aide.

According to the district, New Jersey requires criminal background checks for drivers and aides, and drivers must check buses after routes so no student remains aboard. Motorists have a role, too. On roads without a physical divider, the state requires traffic in both directions to stop at least 25 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights.

School buses offer substantial protection, the district notes, but students are still at risk while getting on, getting off and crossing nearby streets. The district recently marked National School Bus Safety Week with the theme "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes" and a message that protecting students takes all of us, on and off the bus.

The district asks families to reinforce five habits at home. Students should wait at least 10 feet from the curb. They should approach the bus only after it stops and the driver gives permission. Once aboard, they should remain seated, face forward and keep the aisles clear.

Students who need to cross should do it in front of the bus, staying at least 10 feet ahead of it. They should wait for the driver's signal and check traffic before crossing, and never cross behind the bus. If something drops near or under the bus, students should tell the driver and never try to pick it up.

The announcement does not say which bus company serves which school or route, how families can find their child's route or stop, or who qualifies for busing or the medical buses. It also lists no transportation office phone number or email. Families with questions should contact Linden Public Schools.

The district's message for parents, neighbors and everyone sharing the road is simple: slow down, stay alert and give every child a safe journey.

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Source: Linden Public Schools

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