The busiest and most hectic times of day at schools are usually when the students are arriving and leaving the campus. For employees performing bus and car line duties this may also be the most dangerous part of the day. The mix of drivers, students, staff, cars and buses presents a possibility for vehicle and pedestrian accidents. In addition, slips and falls while walking to and from the parking areas and sidewalks to the front entrance of the school are also a risk factor in the busy area.  Traffic safety in the loading zone is a serious concern for the school staff, students and others arriving or leaving at the beginning and end of the school day. 

Training is recommended for staff members who participate in bus and car line duty while also being outfitted with reflective vests and traffic control paddles/signage, wearing slip resistant shoes and appropriate dress for the weather conditions.

Isolate Bus, Car and Pedestrian Traffic Flow

Conduct an evaluation of every school site for proper traffic flow, pavement markings, signage, pedestrian walkways, curbing and entrance ways. Provide drivers and pedestrians clear direction on how to approach and use the bus lanes and student drop off zone. Establish, communicate and enforce rules on a daily basis. Creating a diagram that illustrates traffic flow directions, bus zones and parking lot rules may assist in the design and discussion. The following are items to consider: 

• Physically isolate the school bus loading zone.
• Provide a designated location for student drop off and pick up that is removed from the bus loading/unloading zone.
  • Some schools have moved student pick up areas to another area of the campus.
  • Other institutions have built restricted bus zones with concrete lane barriers to isolate the school bus loading zone or added fencing with strategic openings to help maintain that students stand back as buses are entering the loading zone.
• Engage professional traffic engineering help if needed.

The goal is to develop a configuration that removes staff, visitor and student vehicles from bus loading zones. 

Considerations to Communicate Rules

Starting the school year with a welcome package that includes a diagram and clear directions for persons driving on campus may be beneficial. Stress to parents/drivers that the system is designed to protect children and improve efficiency.  Consider the following to facilitate communications:

• Encourage PTA involvement to help communicate the plan.
• Make use of the communication means available (e-mailing information, posting rules on the district Web site and social media).
• Outline the hours of operation, expectations for waiting areas and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.
• Create a short and friendly memo from the school principal to place on any car parked unattended in the loading zone.  
• Train school staff to avoid confrontation while providing positive direction to parents not complying with the rules.   

This is a sample guideline furnished to you by Glatfelter Public Entities. Your organization should review it and make the necessary modifications to meet the needs of your organization. The intent of this guideline is to assist you in reducing risk exposure to the public, personnel and property. For additional information on this topic, you may contact your GPE Risk Control Representative. www.glatfelterpublicpractice.com