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)

Several Colorado and Kansas school systems are having their school buses rebuilt commercially, saving $5,000 to $17,000 per bus. In deciding whether to replace or rebuild buses, districts should consider age and mechanical condition, local climate, safety concerns, and regulatory requirements. (MLH)

Since 1983, when the David Douglas Public Schools (Portland, Oregon) converted 30 buses to propane fuel, the district has saved $75,000 in fuel and maintenance costs. Propane is priced consistently lower than gasoline and burns cleaner. Since propane engines do not require a carburetor, there are fewer maintenance problems. (MLH)

Text and illustrations are used to teach safe school bus riding practices. The guide begins with instructions to parents or guardians to set a good example of safe behavior, and to help children learn safety rules and be on time. Instructions to children concern obeying the bus driver, boarding the bus, riding the bus, crossing the road, and using…

The booklet presents information and illustrations regarding bus transportation of handicapped children. The roles and responsibilities of drivers and aides are discussed as are such topics as seating arrangements, first aid measures (for falls and seizures), embarking and debarking procedures (including ways to encourage independence in walking),…

The apparent lack of concern school boards evidenced in the past over school bus safety has precipitated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations that have angered board members and bus manufacturers alike. It is argued that the new regulations are not based on research. (Author/IRT)

Two views on the need for seatbelts on school buses are offered by the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics. (DF)

The School Bus Specifications and Procedures adopted by the 2000 National Conference on School Transportation and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) were used as guides by the Tennessee State Board of Education Pupil Transportation Advisory Committee in developing the revised minimum specifications for school bus chassis and school…

Over 4,800 pupils will be injured inside school buses this year. Safer buses have to be worked into the budget -- and some schools are doing it. (Author)

Looks at some of the current requirements for school bus safety under Standard 17 developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Author/WM)

A rodeo competition for school bus drivers provides opportunities for broadening defensive driving skills and skillful maneuvering as well as increasing knowledge of motor vehicle laws. (Author)

A brief discussion of the new Federal Pupil Transportation Safety Act. (JF)

Preventive school bus maintenance to reduce long-term costs should include daily visual inspections by drivers, frequent checks by mechanics, and comprehensive inspections every 5,000 miles. Mechanics recommend checking tail lights, batteries, brakes, lug nuts, leaf springs, tail pipes, and exhaust pipe hangers. (RW)