While school bus transportation remains the safest way for students to get to school, school-transportation-related crashes still occur. Regular training is important for school bus drivers to stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and help them maintain and improve the safety of children in and around the school bus.
Under 49 U.S.C. 30101, et seq., a vehicle is regarded as being sold for use as a school bus if, at the time of sale, it is evident that the vehicle is likely to be significantly used to transport students to or from school or school-related events. This statute applies to school buses sold to public and parochial schools.
NHTSA is committed to improving the safety of students in and around school buses and is now offering an improved School Bus Driver In-Service Curriculum that: Is completely online and mobile-friendly so that school bus drivers can complete the curriculum at their own pace anytime, anywhere;
School bus drivers play an important role in the safe transportation of students to and from school and school-related activities. They reduce hazards, follow safety protocols, and actively avoid incidents.
School Bus Drivers must pass a written exam at the Motor Vehicle Division (M.V.D.). They must obtain a Class “B” Commercial Drivers License (C.D.L.) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Air Brake (A) endorsements.
There is no maximum riding time in the law for children in kindergarten through grade twelve. Child care licensing regulations establish a maximum riding time of 60 continuous minutes for the transportation of preschool children.
CDL Testing Requirements & Tools School bus drivers must obtain a CDL license to drive a school bus in Texas.
(65)170. Sec. 2. The governing body of a school corporation may allow, by written authorization, the use of a school bus for the transportation of adults at least sixty-five (65) years of age.
Michigan law does not specifically prohibit drivers from passing a school bus with flashing yellow lights, but the Michigan State Police does advise drivers to prepare to stop when they see one with overhead lights flashing yellow (they will be near the roof, on both sides of the words “School Bus”).
A violation of the law requiring drivers to stop for school buses is a civil infraction, which results in a fine and three points being added to the driver's record with the Michigan Secretary of State.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's against the law for school buses to go faster than 50 mph on any highway. The only exception: they can hit 55 mph on interstates. KXAN discovered bus drivers speeding at districts across Central Texas-some with children onboard.
Obtain a Texas Commercial Driver's License –Class B with a passenger, and school bus endorsement. Pass a DOT physical annually and pre-employment drug testing. Pass State license check and criminal history check. Participate and pass a 20 hour Texas School Bus Driver Certification Class.
The legal requirement to drive a school bus in California is an S Endorsement on your license. Obtaining the coveted S on your license is challenging; you must already possess a CDL with a P endorsement, which allows you to drive a vehicle capable of carrying 16 or more passengers, such as standard commercial buses.
Indiana Senate OKs $1,000 fine for driving past a stopped school bus | Government and Politics | nwitimes.com.
Even during poorest of weather conditions, yellow is the safest color for moving vehicles. The school buses' black lettering stands out against the hue, and according to research, "Lateral peripheral vision for detecting yellows is 1.24 times greater than for red."
To be eligible a person must have a minimum of 30 days of school bus driving experience in Indiana for a public or private school accredited by the State Board of Education. The experience must be within the three years immediately preceding the effective date of the person's assignment as a school bus driver.
For the purposes of NHTSA’s school bus regulations, a school bus is a “bus” that is sold or introduced into interstate commerce for purposes that include carrying students to and from school or related events. A bus is a motor vehicle that has capacity of 11 or more people (including the driver).
When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before approaching the bus door. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling.
That’s because school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road; they’re designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries; and in every state, stop-arm laws protect children from other motorists.
Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state, as well as the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions: Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
If a dealer sells or leases a vehicle that does not meet the Federal school bus safety standards, and the dealer knows or has reason to know that the bus was to be used significantly to transport students, the dealer may be subject to substantial civil penalties under the Safety Act.
Liability for using a non-complying bus to transport students is a matter addressed by State law. Schools, school districts, and other student transportation providers should consult their attorneys or insurance carriers regarding liability concerns.
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
Bus Drivers play a critical role in the safe transportation of students to and from home and school. Because of this, specific certification and requirements must be met by the State of Ohio.
Personnel qualifications for bus and van drivers may also be reviewed in OAC 3301-83-06.
Each year, the third week of October is recognized as National School Bus Safety Week, a public education program designed to address the importance of school bus safety.
Many state Departments of Education and/or Departments of Transportation share resources and guidance for school bus safety for students, parents, and drivers. These school bus safety tips for bus drivers are shared on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website, and provide some important reminders during School Bus Safety Week.
For more in-depth training for your bus drivers, explore the School Bus Safety Company driver training, available through the SafeSchools Training System. Proven to reduce accidents by nearly 50%, these engaging courses include key practices that every bus driver should know to keep your students safe!
Good Paying Job. A career in the bus driving industry can mean making up to $44,000 per year. Extra earning opportunities are usually available as well. There are also several opportunities to pick up extra hours, as well as receive employee benefits from the school.
If drivers can find summer work, its hourly part-time positions with very low wages. Bus drivers are not paid during school holidays or for teachers’ days. That leaves drivers who care about their jobs and students at or near the poverty level — and struggling to pay rent and get by in the summer months.
Many school bus drivers are working part-time. They spend the off hours doing what anyone else does during the day — laundry, shopping, reading newspapers, or even working another job. She spends two hours driving her route in the morning, then another two hours driving in the afternoon.
A professional and great school bus driver will always follow the route and stay on time, wear their seat belt, and make sure all rules of the road are followed. The bus will stop at railroad crossings, all traffic lights are respected, and the bus driver doesn’t speed, no matter what. Everyone is happy and safe!
Some common grievances here include: administrators not backing up school bus drivers when parents complain; policies that don’t support drivers; disciplinary actions that are perceived as inequitable; not showing appreciation for oldest employees; and too many hoops for drivers to jump through to get administrators to
School districts across the country are struggling to fill vital school bus driver positions. There’s a reason that great school bus drivers are difficult to find and keep: driving a school bus requires more than just driving skill and patience. The job requires a unique skill set, and it’s not as easy as you’d think.
This is a great job for retirees and parents who need a flexible schedule. Pay could be better but relationships are spot on. Management is good but could be better. I loved it and I want to go back loved the people I worked with.
School bus safety is extremely important – not only because it could be potentially life saving, but because it’s shows courtesy ...
Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive to ensure quick and timely pickups. Maintain a safe distance. Stand or line up at least 6 feet away from the curb when the bus approaches. Remain visible at all times. If you need to cross the street, make sure the driver can see you.
Yellow or red flashing lights and a stop sign arm extended indicate children are preparing to load or unload from the bus and a signal for you to prepare to stop. REMINDER: It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
This is why school bus safety is so important for everyone – parents and drivers included. One of the biggest risk factors on school buses are the lack of seat belts. Certain states like California, New York, and Nevada have laws requiring the use of seat belts on buses. Even then, however, many of these states requiring seat belts are on ...
Be alert. Buses mean bus stops and bus stops are likely filled with children waiting to catch their ride. Be on watch for kids out on the sidewalks or crossing the street. Go slow. When buses are present, children are present.
Be courteous and follow instruction. Don’t make loud noises, stand up, put your head or arms out of the window, or engage in any activity that could distract the driver. Your bus driver is working hard to get you to school safely, be kind and follow their instructions while on the bus.
If you or your child is involved in a bus accident, seek advice from a personal injury lawyer on the specific laws in your state, how to work with your insurance company, and the steps you can take to seek retribution.