School Bus Safety

I am just saying.
A few days ago I  happened to pull in back of a school bus leaving West Hempstead middle school. The dismissal caused heavy traffic as usual and I had time to observe the students in the back of the bus. There was a youngster with a ponytail who seemed to be delivering a message of great importance to her peers. She stood, I guess to make her point clearer. Two of three others joined in the debate all on their feet as the bus continued it's journey.  The bus swayed back and forth as it moved down the road, it was clear that sitting was a novel idea to some.
   As a parents and a retired teacher, I could not help but think of the potential danger to these adolescent young bodies if this bus should have an accident, compounded by the fact that these young people refuse to do a simple thing like stay seated. I am sure when youngsters begin school parents and teachers go over bus rules with emphasis. However by the time they reach middle school such trivial things take a back seat and it is presumed that the adolescent will be responsible. Parents, when your children are away from you, sometimes you would not know them. Speak with them, remind them, keep them safe. They are irreplaceable.   I am just saying….