HEADLINES Grassroots Operation Safe Stop Reaches Out to Feds The concept is simple and has been applied in a number
of different states. Select a day out of the year to promote school bus safety and highlight those who tend to ignore it by illegally passing school buses that are loading or unloading students. Articles appear in local newspapers and on broad- casts of the five o’clock news showing that “X” number of drivers were ticketed for passing a school bus while the bus’ warning lights were engaged. Recently, a retired school teacher took it upon himself to cre-
ate a movement that could possibly make its way to the desktops of a number of federally-elected officials. After a friend of his mentioned the Operation Safe STOP! initiative, Bryan Freehling did a little research in February and decided to post a petition on
Change.org, a Web site that serves as a platform for the public to voice their opinions on important issues and movements. “In my opinion, state actions are often driven by federal ac-
tions. Therefore, if the Operation Safe STOP! Initiative could make a strong enough appearance on the national level, it will definitely help to promote the initiative on the state level,” said Freehling.
Te petition was sent to a number of federal officials, includ-
ing President Barack Obama. As of this writing, there are only 48 actual signatures on the digital petition, which is far from his goal of 500, but this hasn’t slowed Freehling down. “My hope was that more people, including our elected politi-
cians, might see it, read it, and possibly take the necessary steps towards implementing it nationwide,” said Freehling. In his attempt to gain more momentum for the movement,
Freehling hopes to receive more coverage from local and nation- al media. He also sees an ally in each state’s department of motor vehicles, which could help to educate drivers regarding this pro- gram by including it in driver education manuals, tests, and so on. Additionally, Freehling would like to target professional orga- nizations like the National Education Association. “Using all available community outlets such as businesses,
churches, schools, etc., to help spread information regarding Opera- tion Safe STOP! Initiative would be helpful, too,” added Freehling. ■
View Freehling’s petition on Operation Safe STOP! at
www.stnonline.com/go/567.
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10939B Reed Hartman Hwy. • Cincinnati, OH 45242 26 School Transportation News Magazine May 2010 PRODUCT: SAFEGUARD STAR
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