Analyses of school bus accidents point to five accident-producing categories: (1) rear-end collisions; (2) sideswipes; (3) backing; (4) right turns; and (5) loading/unloading students. Reviews an accident of each type and focuses on the corrective action needed to reduce these accidents. (MLF)

Outlines common-sense tips for disciplining student bus riders that are recommended by several driver-training programs. Themes include the following: (1) Set a few clear rules for proper bus behavior; (2) be positive; and (3) establish amiable communication with the children and with the principal as well. (CJH)

Describes the School Bus Driver Training Project in New York. (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)

Questions based on observations of a Chicago (Illinois) school bus program deal with driver capability, procedures for bus evacuation in an emergency, bus comfort for passengers, safety, fuel efficiency, and creative use of students' bus time. (MLF)

A synopsis of the results of a study conducted for the Bozeman, Montana, Public Schools. The study evaluated the feasibility of a district-owned vs a contracted pupil transportation system. Various aspects of school transportation were analyzed by their relationship to safety, control, service, and cost. (Author/MLF)

Discusses elements of an efficient, comprehensive school bus safety program. (Author/MLF)

In view of the level of school transportation services being provided Statewide in California, there is a need for the establishment and enforcement of realistic school board policies to assure the efficient and effective administration and operation of pupil transportation systems. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidelines for…

Careful hiring, monitoring, training, discipline, and safety policies will reduce school automobile and bus accidents. Guidelines are offered for accident reporting, claim handling, and dealing with insurance adjusters. (MLF)

The state of Oklahoma recently published a school bus driver manual on transporting handicapped students. Yearly inservice training sessions are recommended to teach school bus drivers communication skills, use of special equipment for physically handicapped students, and preparation for emergencies. (MLF)

The majority of school bus fatalities occur to children who must walk in front of the school bus upon discharge. Drivers must be educated about this startling fact and know which passengers are more susceptible to fatal accidents. Children must be taught safety precautions. (MLF)

Students need training at home, at school, and on the bus concerning their own actions while traveling on school buses. The training needs to focus on the dangers, on how students can help to save their own lives, and on developing a positive attitude toward safety and the driver. (MLF)

Adequate staffing for pupil transportation provides for the following: (1) drivers are appropriately instructed; (2) school buses meet the highest standards of construction and maintenance; (3) discipline is uniformly administered; (4) instruction in safe riding practices is provided; and (5) salary and fringe benefits retain the best qualified…

Incidents of unruliness, defiance, and even violence on the school bus are escalating. Many school districts find that a behavior-management focus in their bus-driver training pays off in fewer serious discipline incidents and more job satisfaction among drivers. (MLF)

Describes a Missouri school district's recruiting, training, and retention strategies for school bus drivers. Includes an employer reference checklist and an applicant review form. (MLF)