When you are on the school bus, you know the engine has to be running to take you to school or near home. But, when you see empty buses - at school - just parked, with their engines running, you know the buses are idling. When buses are parked there, going no where, they are sending harmful diesel exhaust/fumes into the air.
Those bus idling fumes are harmful to the air and to growing kids like you. The fumes can make it hard for you to breathe and can do damage your lungs and other parts of your body. They can be really harmful to kids who already have breathing problems, like some kids who may have asthma.
You can take action and help kids at your school breathe cleaner air and help to clean up the air for everyone.
When you see an idling bus, stay away and tell your friends to do the same. NEVER play around buses that are on and parked.If you have to take the bus and it is idling, wait until it is time to go and then get on. When you are waiting to board the bus, wait somewhere inside or as far as possible from the bus.Idling cars can be just as bad as idling buses, so ask your Mom and Dad to turn off the car while they wait to pick you up from school. Have your Mom or Dad visit our Parents section for more information.Tell your school principal and your parents about the ADEQ School Bus Idling Program.
Bus idling is an environmental problem. That is why the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has asked every school in Arizona to join the ADEQ School Bus Idling Program. The program gives schools and bus drivers information on how they can help protect you and the environment. Lots of schools have already signed up and want to help clear the air for all kids. Has your school signed up? Check the list of schools that have joined. If your school is not on the list, have your parents help you to contact us and learn how to your school can join.