The School Bus Safety Company offers interactive
video programs that are professionally narrated on safe driving education. A major component of this education approach is teaching drivers how to reduce or eliminate risk when driving a bus. This is an important distinction from simply following state and federal mandates or doing the minimum to get by. In the company’s infor- mation, there is an example of a new bus driver who grew frustrated by their new school district’s adherence to following government mandates. But Cassell said he wants every driver to be focused on avoiding risk. The training material covers a wide variety of situations that bus drivers could encounter. The point is made that accidents don’t just happen, they occur because a driver made a deliberate mistake, like following a vehicle too closely. Drivers must be aware of potential danger zones and how to use mirrors and check brakes. If students are fighting, it is important to show them the consequences of getting involved in a physical altercation. It is important to follow best safety practices, check the bus to make sure it is safe and avoid dangerous situations. There are also programs on safety leadership, bullying and working with special needs students. Ann Rugg, the transportation director of the
Springville, New York Central School District, said her
district bought a program through the School Bus Safety Company that covers all the classroom and driving requirements that people seeking a CDL need. “We are incorporating this program in our safety education pro- gram,” said Rugg. “We are registered as a training facility, and it is working well for us. New York state provides classroom training, and we are adding some additional training to that. We have almost 40 hours of training that includes pre-trip, post trip and driving the bus. We cover areas such as driving the bus, backing up and driving in adverse conditions. We have immersion training.” The requirements are to satisfy what drivers need to
know when driving a bus. All prospective drivers attend classroom sessions and learn the basics of school bus drving. They go through extensive training especial- ly in safety. “We require monthly safety meetings. All our focus is on transporting students safely. We have a monthly newsletter and weekly reminders on safety,” Rugg explained. “We have extensive hands-on training. We want people to understand safety and what you need to do to drive safe. We have extensive classroom training with videos and written materials. We cover topics such as how to use mirrors. We actually see how the drivers adjust the mirrors. We show them what it is important and make sure they do it right.”
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