Inclement Weather

As winter is closely approaching, our children's safety on the school bus is dependent not just on the driver but also on other motorists as well. The following winter safety advice is provided by the Wiesbaden School Transportation office to students and parents.

Students & Parents

Take your time to board the bus. Rushing to catch the bus or driving quicker to get to your destination might have disastrous consequences when roads and sidewalks are icy. It takes children longer to get to the bus stop when it's windy, chilly, or snowy outside. Reducing the number of falls on slick pavements can be achieved by leaving a few minutes early and taking your time.

Students need to keep warm at the bus stop, but they also must still be able to see and hear what's going on around them. When bundling up your child in the morning, make sure he or she still has an adequate line of sight and can hear traffic and other noises. And make sure your child can put his/her arms down.

Put your phone away. Neglecting to look where you are walking can lead to very serious outcomes. When walking in snow or an ice-covered terrain, stay mindful of your surroundings and walk at a slower pace.

Grab hold of something. Put on shoes that are suitable for the weather. Steer clear of shoes with slick no-tread soles when venturing onto damp, snow-covered, or icy terrains.

Please be patient. Although school bus drivers are highly skilled at driving in bad weather, even the most skilled drivers can become slower on snowy or icy roads. Every driver's first concern is safety, and it could take longer to go from stop to stop.

We often take the easy act of getting onto and departing from the bus for granted. Use those handrails!

Lastly, pay attention to school announcements and weather alerts. Even though mornings can be hectic, parents need to be informed of weather alerts and cancellations or delays of schools. Inclement weather may also cause bus routes to modify or early dismissals. To receive late-breaking alerts, make sure your school has the correct contact information on file. Please listen out for notifications from AFN RADIO and TV, IMCOM-EUROPE ROAD CONDITIONS website, located at https://home.army.mil/roads/ to find out when hazardous weather is predicted.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Wiesbaden School Transportation Office with any questions.