If a student drops their book bag or any other object near the bus, what should they be taught to do for their safety?

Teaching students to leave the object where it is and not retrieve it is crucial for their safety. The area around the school bus is known as a danger zone; it's a place where students are most vulnerable to potential accidents. If a student drops a book bag or any other object, moving toward the bus or into the danger zone to retrieve it can put them at risk of being hit by the bus or other vehicles.

By instructing students to wait and not go after the object, they are less likely to put themselves in a hazardous situation. It instills the practice of prioritizing personal safety over the retrieval of items, which can be done later by an adult or the driver once it is safe to do so. Adults can manage the task of retrieving dropped items, as they are better able to assess the safety of the situation first. This approach underscores the importance of safety awareness and being cautious around school buses.