Using Public Transportation Safely

Differences between Public Transportation and School Buses

Getting On and Off the Bus Safely

• Check the bus's destination; if you are unsure, ask the driver.
• Don't run to catch the bus.
• Stand back from the curb.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching to board it or before standing to get off it.
• When getting off a public bus and crossing the street, wait for bus to leave-don't cross in front of it. Cross the street at an intersection.

Personal Safety Precautions

• Try not to travel or wait alone; if you must travel or wait alone, wait in well-lighted areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings-the people near you as well as your location.
• If you feel uncomfortable about a place or situation, tell someone; get to safety.
• Sit up front, near the driver. Consider the bus driver a helper to whom you can go if you are being bothered. If riding on a train, ride in the same car as the conductor when possible.
• Take the safest route, not the shortest route.
• Be cautious about talking to strangers. Never approach a car to give directions to an adult who says she or he is lost or has lost something. Don't go anywhere with strangers.
• If you feel as if you are being followed, cross the street or run to the nearest place with other people and lights, or pretend to see someone you know and call out or wave to this imaginary person.
• Know the difference between an appropriate touch and an inappropriate touch; move away and tell the driver or another adult.
• Never flash money, bus passes or expensive possessions. If you are mugged, give up your possessions.

Motorized Vehicle Safety

The following list includes essential safety precautions when using various motorized vehicles.

Mini-Bikes

Mini-bikes should be sturdy and stable. Riders should receive instruction and be supervised. Essential precautions:

• Wear helmets with goggles or face shield to protect from wind and glare.
• Wear protective trousers.
• Wear heavy boots, and never ride barefooted.
• Wear gloves for better griping and hand protection.
• Don't ride at night or on roadways.
• Take a safety course before operating a motorcycle.
• Know the machine before operating it.
• Obey laws (especially speeding laws) and regulations, including licensing.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs.
• Stay alert and focused on the road ahead; pay extra attention at intersections, where most accidents occur.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Youth under age 12 should never drive an ATV with an engine size above 70cc; youth under age 16 should never drive an ATV with an engine size above 90cc. Riders should receive instruction and be supervised. Essential precautions:

• Wear heavy boots, and never ride barefooted.
• Wear gloves for better griping and hand protection.
• Never ride double.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Take a safety course before operating the machine.
• Know the machine before operating it.
• Obey laws and regulations.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs.
• When braking, slow down slowly, and shift to a lower gear as you slow down.
• When turning, coordinate speed and body position to keep your balance; slow down on entering curve.
• Avoid steep hills. Some hills are too steep to go either up or down; slide up on the seat as you go uphill, and shift your weight back as you come down hill; use brakes and lower gear {not neutral) to descend.

Snowmobiles

Riders should receive instruction and be supervised. Essential precautions:

• Don't use alcohol or other drugs.
• Know your skill limits, and don't exceed them.
• Know the machine's limits, and don't push them.
• Know the riding area-let others know your riding plans.
• Take a safety course before operating the machine.
• Know and obey laws and regulations.
• At roadways: cross at a right angle to traffic after coming to a complete stop.
• Dress appropriately-windproof outer layer, warm gloves, boots, helmet and visor.
• Carry a small tool kit and survival kit.
• Watch your speed, especially when near other machines, people, trees, animals or other objects.
• Go with a buddy. Use basic traffic hand signals to communicate with other drivers.
• Stay alert and focused on the trail ahead.
• Don't cross ice-covered lakes and water areas with snowmobile.
• Be aware of avalanche dangers when in mountainous areas

Go-Carts

Riders should receive instruction and be supervised. Essential precautions:

• Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
• Avoid roadways and night use.
• Keep your speed down and your eyes focused ahead.
• Avoid alcohol and other drug use.
• Know your skill limits, and don't exceed them.
• Know the machine's limits, and don't push them.
• Know the riding area-let others know your riding plans.
• Take a safety course before operating the machine.
• Know and obey laws and regulations.
• Slow down for curves.
• Use safety devices such as seat belts, chain guards, engine guards, roll bars.
• Avoid loose hair or clothing that could get caught in the engine or chain drive.
• Be aware of potential for burns from engine, exhaust pipe, gas tank explosions after crashes.
• Be aware that rolling over small objects or tree roots can cause the go-cart to turn over.
• Don't do jump stunts.