School is almost back in session, which means it’s time to start brushing up on tips for taking the bus. The school bus can be a great resource for time-strapped parents and independence-seeking children alike. But it also needs to be approached with safety and care.

Here are five tips to make your child’s bus ride the best it can be.

Move In Groups

Accompany young children to the bus stop and encourage older children to walk to the bus in groups. Though parents vary on how old is old enough to walk to the bus without Mom or Dad, a group is always more visible to motorists.

Know Your Info

Make sure you’re children know their full names, addresses and phone numbers. If you are regularly away from home, help them memorize a number where you can be reached and teach them how to responsibly dial 911.

Be Visible

Though many backpacks include reflective material, you can never be too safe when it comes to making your children more visible to passing motorists. Adding a few extra reflective strips to your child’s book bag can make a significant difference, especially if you’re child is walking to the bus while it’s still dark.

Say No To Strangers

Make sure your children know to never accept rides from strangers. Agree on a time for your children to come back home in the rare event the bus doesn’t arrive.

Be On Time

Last but not least, try to arrive a the bus stop five minutes early. Bus drivers have many stops to make and even more children to look after. The last thing you want to do is create the added pressure of being late.

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