As the hot days of summer come to an end, it is time again for the hustle and bustle of a new school year. With everything that needs to be done, getting kids to school safely may be overlooked. More than 53 million children in the U.S. spend almost one-fourth of their total waking hours in school or on school property and transporting children to and from school safely is a priority.

About 23.5 million students ride school buses daily. Although this is one of the safest ways to travel to and from school, injuries do occur. Each year, 30 children ages 14 and under are killed in school bus-related incidents and an estimated 6,000 children are injured. More than half of the children killed are pedestrians.

While the use of seat belts has been proven vital for children's protection in passenger vehicles, school buses rely on a passive restraint system called "compartmentalization." This restraint system protects children through closely spaced, well-anchored vehicle seats that have high backs designed to absorb the energy of a crash for properly seated occupants. In addition, the sheer size of school buses offers further protection.

Many injuries happen when children are boarding or exiting the bus. A blind spot extends approximately 10 feet in front of the bus, obstructing the driver's view. Children are not aware of this blind spot and might mistakenly believe that if they can see the bus, the bus driver can see them.

Waiting for the Bus -- Arrive at the stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. -- Stay out of the street and avoid horseplay. -- Cross the street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus. Boarding and Leaving the Bus -- Walk in a single-file line when boarding or leaving the bus. -- Use the handrail to avoid falls. -- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting. -- Exit from the front of the bus. -- Always wait for parents on the same side of the street as the school bus loading/unloading zone. -- Be aware of the driver's blind spot (10 feet in front of the bus) when walking away from the bus. -- Remove loose drawstrings or ties on jackets and sweatshirts, and replace with Velcro, snaps or buttons. Loose drawstrings or book bags can snag on bus handrails. -- Always ask the bus driver for help if anything is dropped while entering or exiting the bus. Sitting on the Bus -- Remain seated at all times and keep the aisles clear. -- Do not throw objects. -- Do not shout or distract the driver unnecessarily. -- Keep heads and arms inside the bus at all times.