Describes national and state "roadeos" that give school bus drivers a chance to win recognition for their skills at maneuvering an eight-ton vehicle through tight places and complying with elaborate safety procedures. Competition is high and produces better drivers. (MLH)

As a school bus comes to a halt on a busy street, the driver swings out the vehicle's stop arm and turns on flashing red lights. Most drivers know what those signals mean--they are required by law to stop their vehicles so that children can safely cross the thoroughfare. However, many drivers simply choose to ignore the law. Thousands of…

Arguments for and against the installation of seat belts in school buses are discussed. (DF)

Examines the characteristics of three types of motion detectors: Doppler radar, infrared, and ultrasonic wave, and how they are used on school buses to prevent students from being killed by their own school bus. Other safety devices cited are bus crossing arms and a camera monitor system. (MLF)

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended retiring as unsafe all school buses made before April 1, 1977. Buses built after that date--called "poststandard buses"--are likely to be in great demand for safety, economic, and legal reasons. (MLF)

Improvements in school bus construction and driver training have increased passenger safety significantly. Seat belts would be expensive to install and maintain and would decrease seating space; their use would be very difficult to enforce; and research has not clearly shown whether they add to or decrease bus safety. (PGD)

Summarizes the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 requirements, discusses problems engendered by new state laws, and tells how school administrators can ensure that their state's law does not inhibit school bus driver recruitment and retainment. Basically, multiple commercial licenses are now illegal, and alcohol impairment standards are…

In 2001, the California School for the Blind (CSB) was faced with a dilemma. The dropoff point for the day buses had to be changed. The new route to the only logical location for this change sent the buses through a driveway where residential students crossed to travel between the school and the dormitories. Some staff members wanted to eliminate…

Any district board of education considering seat belt installation on large school buses should examine all the research available prior to making a final decision. New Jersey's Guide for Analyzing a Pupil Transportation Program is provided. (MLF)

A driver performance test revealed that school bus drivers were not adjusting the bus crossover mirrors so that all the pedestrian areas could be seen. In addition, the mirror adjustment was restricted by bracket supports. Describes mirrors that meet state vision standards and how they should be utilized. (MLF)

A Connecticut school district initiated a bus monitor program on the elementary bus runs. Monitors are paid $8.50 per run, are subject to the same medical examinations as are drivers, and are given preemployment drug tests. Children show respect toward the monitors. The district has concluded that monitors do help in making bus stops safer for all…

In many states, the greatest threat to safe student transportation is elimination of the school transportation program. Using public transit buses, large vans, smaller vehicles, or specialized equipment can cause major-issue headaches. False issues include controversies over seat belts, bus design, and optional "bells and whistles." (10…

Guidelines to help parents explain traffic safety to children cover the following: school bus safety (e.g., remain seated, do not shout); walking (e.g., obey traffic signals, cross at crosswalks); driving (e.g., wear seatbelts, enter and exit from the curb side); and biking (e.g., wear helmets, do not ride at night). (SM)

Provides an example of how one county public school system was able to minimize traffic accidents and increase safety around its schools. Illustrations are provided of safer bus loading zones, pedestrian walkways and sidewalks, staff parking, and acceptable methods for staging buses. A checklist for school driveway design concludes the article.…