Understanding the Danger Zone
The danger zone is the area immediately surrounding the school bus where students are at greatest risk of being struck by the bus or other vehicles. The danger zone extends 10 feet from the front of the bus, 10 feet from each side of the bus, and 10 feet from the rear of the bus. The most deadly area of the danger zone is the front of the bus, because the driver has a large direct blind spot directly in front of the hood that extends 10 to 12 feet. A small child who trips and falls in this area cannot be seen by the driver. The second most hazardous area is the right side of the bus, because vehicles approaching the bus from behind may attempt to pass on the right, entering the area where students are walking. Per FMCSA safety guidelines, students must be instructed to establish eye contact with the bus driver before crossing in front of the bus. This is a critical visual confirmation: if the driver cannot see the student, the student should not proceed. Students must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus — not directly in front of it — and should walk toward the side of the road, stop, look left-right-left for traffic, and then cross when the driver signals it is safe by extending their arm out the window.