Most public and many private schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin mark Labor Day weekend as the final stretch of summer vacation before kids head back for a new school year. In less than a week, we’ll all need to remember to stay alert around buses and school zones as the hustle and bustle of loading and unloading begins in earnest.
Reliable Insurance Agency developed this blog as a helpful tool for parents to spark family safety conversations. Review this checklist with your kids before the first day of school – or anytime during the year. And don’t worry, there are plenty of important reminders here for grown-ups, too!
☑️At the Bus Stop: Kid-Friendly Checklist
Ask your child:
- “What time do we need to leave the house so we aren’t rushing to meet the bus?”
- “Where should you wait for the bus? (how far back from the curb?)
- “If someone you don’t know stops to talk to you, what should you do?”
Parent Reminder:
- In rural areas or parts of town that don’t have curbs and sidewalks, make sure your child has bright clothing or a reflective backpack to help them stand out and be more visible. Especially on those darker, gloomy early mornings, we want to make sure the kids are visible for passing vehicles and the bus itself.
🚌While On the Bus
Remember these simple rules for safer bus travel:
- Sit down quickly and stay seated whenever the bus is moving
- Keep hands and items inside the bus
- Talk quietly so the driver can focus & easily communicate instructions
Consider role-playing a ‘a typical bus ride’ at home. It may seem silly, but just acting out these three simple safety rules will help drive home how important they are.
⚠️Exiting the Bus
For Your Child:
- Take your time exiting the bus. It’s a long drop to the ground!
- How many giant steps should you take before walking? (Answer: 3+)
- If you drop something next to the bus, what should you do? (Answer: tell the bus driver first. Let them know what you need to grab)
Parent Reminder:
- Northland winters mean slippery streets, poorly cleared sidewalks, and frigid temps.
- Make sure to dress your child appropriately and to always use the hand rail.
🚦A Community Pledge
No one wants to be the cause of an accident involving a bus filled with children. So, no matter where you are traveling, make this promise to yourself:
- STOP when the red lights are flashing and the bus arm is out. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
- Watch for kids crossing at unexpected spots.
- Never pass a stopped bus on two-lane roads — even if you’re in the opposite lane.
Did You Know? Failing to stop for a school bus when the lights are flashing or if the stop-arm is out is a serious crime!
First Offense:
- Misdemeanor moving violation: first offense is a midemeanor with fines up to $500
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Loss of driver’s license
- Repeat offenders can face up
💬 Family Wrap-Up
Make sure to sit down with your kids and go over this list together. Practice safe routines at the bus stop, on the bus, and when getting off the bus. Then, as a family, take the “driver’s pledge” to watch for buses and slow down in school zones.
At Reliable Insurance Agency, we’re proud to protect families across Cloquet, Esko, Proctor, Hermantown, Duluth, Superior, and the entire Northland. Safety starts with awareness – and together, we can help every child make it to and from school safely this year.
Back-to-school season brings excitement, new routines, and plenty of firsts. But it also brings risks when children and buses are traveling to and from school each day. We each play a role in keeping kids safe—and the Northland will be better for it. Let’s work together, reminding others when necessary, that the safety and well-being of these children must come before our own busy schedules. Here’s to a safe and successful school year for every child and family in our communities!
Reliable Insurance Agency has offices in Cloquet, Hermantown, and Superior – and with staff whose children attend schools all across the greater Twin Ports region, this topic is near and dear to our hearts. If supporting local schools matters to you too, consider working with an agency that shares those values. Our business, personal, and benefits agents can help you customize an insurance plan that fits your unique needs. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all policy—we’ll help you find the right one for you. Contact us today!
