Seven Safety Rules Every Child on School Transport Should Know

A good operator does a lot to keep learners safe, but children play a part too. These seven rules are short enough for a child to remember and practise.

1. Seatbelt on, every trip

The seatbelt goes on before the vehicle moves and stays on until it has stopped. Practise at home: click it, check it, tell someone it is done.

2. Stay seated

No standing, kneeling or moving around while the vehicle is moving. If a child drops something, they wait until the vehicle stops and ask for help.

3. Keep the aisle and exits clear

School bags go on the lap, under the seat or in the space the driver points out, never in the aisle or in front of a door. This matters most in an emergency.

4. Keep hands and heads inside

No hands, arms or heads out of windows. Windows are for fresh air only, and the driver decides how far they open.

5. Use calm voices

Loud shouting, pushing and throwing things distract the driver. Agree on "inside voices" in the vehicle and explain that this protects everybody.

6. Wait for the all-clear at the stop

At the pick-up point, children wait away from the road edge until the vehicle has fully stopped. In the afternoon, they get off only when the driver says so and walk straight to the agreed adult. They never cross a road alone.

7. Tell a grown-up if something feels wrong

If anything makes a child uncomfortable, from a bully to a stranger to feeling unwell, they tell the driver, you or a teacher. Make it clear they will never be in trouble for speaking up.

Make the rules stick

• Repeat the rules during the first week, then occasionally after that.
• Praise good behaviour specifically: "I liked how you waited behind the line."
• Ask the operator how they handle rule-breaking, so you and they say the same thing.

Looking for school transport in Pretoria East?

See our school transport page or get a quote. Our parent's checklist covers what to check before you choose.