In our continuing blogs on safety and stop arm installation we find that two recently introduced bills in Michigan and a proposed bill in Ohio call for harsher penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus.

In the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) most recent survey of a one-day count of illegal passers that was released earlier this summer, the results showed that at least 17 million stop-arm violations occur each school year across the U.S. The number is likely much larger, as only about a quarter of all school bus drivers in 39 states participated in the voluntary survey.

Now, two states are introducing harsher penalties for motorists who illegally pass a school bus when it is stopped with red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, in the hope of  reducing the number of illegal passers.

The bills specify that each secretary of state can suspend a drivers license for up to a year if a motorist is found in violation of the laws—and based on the number of driving violations the driver has accumulated. The proposed bills also call for increased fines for motorists who pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.  The bills also require that motorists who pass a school bus will be fined $250 for a first offense. Any subsequent offenses could cost Michigan drivers between $500 and $1,000.

Meanwhile, in Ohio, Mayor James Graven reportedly announced that he plans on proposing similar legislation later this month to the Olmsted City Council.  The new penalty would increase the fine from $500 to $1,000 if you pass a school bus with its stop-arm extended.

Distractions seem to play a major role in the violations, as well as being in a hurry and being ignorant of the laws. It’s good that states are recognizing this problem and taking steps to correct it.

Our series on school bus safety continues with a lawmaker in Frankfort, KY, who has pre-filed legislation that would require the use of stop-arm cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.  The legislation would require school districts to install and maintain stop-arm cameras on their daily route school buses, and allow districts to partner with a third-party designee, such as a stop-arm camera supplier, to process and issue citations to offending motorists.

The bill states that stop-arm violators would be subject to fines of up to $200 for the first offense and up to $500 for each subsequent offense occurring within a three-year period.

Approximately 80% of the fine revenue, according to the bill, would be given to school districts to help pay for the cost of installing and operating the cameras, while the remaining funds would be distributed between the Kentucky Department of Education and the corresponding law enforcement agency that issued the citation.

If the legislation is passed, school districts would have to install stop-arm cameras on their buses by Aug. 1, 2023.

Today, we start a series of what different school districts are implementing to make the ride to and from school and activities, safer for our students  We start with Strongsville, Ohio.

The Strongsville City Schools, Ohio board, at its meeting on July 15, unanimously approved the purchase of 260 interior video surveillance cameras, which will cost approximately $121,131, according to a board meeting video. The systems will be installed — for the first time — on most of the district’s spare buses and those that are used for daily routes and field trips.

Cameron Ryba, the superintendent for Strongsville City Schools, told the board that the funding for the cameras comes from the district’s more than $200,000 in annual savings from buying larger and fewer school buses, instead of its usual purchase of five smaller school buses.  The systems will be purchased and installed by REI and will feature a total of four cameras on the buses to capture video footage of the interior of the school bus.

“The problem that we’re trying to fix and address [by installing the cameras] is the fact that we have no documentation of surveillance on our buses,” Ryba told the board. “First and foremost, it’s about the safety of our students on the buses and being able to have that video footage, should we need it.”

George Grozan, a member of the board, added in the video that the cameras will help hold students accountable for their actions and create a safe environment for students while on their ride to and from school.

According to WYFF News Channel 4 in upstate South Carolina, Greenville County Schools are experiencing a shortage of school bus drivers and delays in getting the students home after school.

It was reported on Thursday of this week that the school buses were running one hour late getting students home from school the first few days of the new school year.  Some of the school buses were having to take a bus full of students home and return to the school to get the students who were left.

Beth Brotherton, Director of Communications at Greenville County Schools, was interviewed regarding the shortage and delays.  She stated that the delays would be taken care of by the end of the week. They are working on the schedules, and may have to make some changes after Labor Day, so all students would be at school and at home in the afternoons right on schedule.  It was also reported that Greenville County Schools is holding a job fair next Tuesday, August 27th, at Plain Elementary School in Simpsonville, to help fill over 45 positions of school bus drivers to make up the shortage urging applicants to come to the school.

The County also urged parents to remember to bring their tags to pick up younger children from their bus stop so the bus driver does not have to take the student back to the school.

Beth Brotherton was formally an anchor on WYFF News in Greenville, SC, for fifteen years.

South Carolina recently announced that it will use $9.33 million of the state’s share of Volkswagen (VW) settlement funds to purchase new propane school and transit buses.  The funds will be used to purchase a total of 78 new propane-powered Thomas Built Buses for four school districts and three transit buses for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and the City of Anderson.

“This is a good day for South Carolina and a good day for our team,” McMaster said.

In June 2017, Gov. McMaster designated the State Department of Insurance as the lead agency in determining how the state’s $34 million share of VW settlement funds would be distributed. After a public comment period, the agency partially funded three of eight total applications, according to McMaster’s office.

The state has been working for years on a plan to replace its aging school bus fleet, which is considered to be one of the oldest in the U.S.  In January 2017, the State Department of Education asked the state’s General Assembly to fund the replacement of more than 1,000 of the state’s buses that are at least 20 years old, and worked with the state treasurer and legislators to create South Carolina’s first school bus lease-to-purchase program.

Meanwhile, in June of that same year, Gov. McMaster had vetoed $20.5 million in funding for hundreds of new school buses in the 2017-18 fiscal year, due to concerns that the funding would come from excess lottery proceeds that voters were told would go to scholarships. However, the state Legislature overrode that veto in January 2018.

The State Department of Education later confirmed in January that all school bus models year 1995 and 1996 were removed from the state’s fleet and would be replaced with new ones.

The loading and unloading process of school buses is one of many factors involved in student transportation that has received a second look lately.

“Passenger loading and unloading is the nucleus of what school bus drivers do,” says Sabine Konrad with Visalia, CA, Unified School District. “Our precious cargo is exposed to the highest risk of getting injured — or worse — during this procedure. We cannot allow that to happen.”  This district has been using the escort system (see #7 below) since the 1950’s and has not had a documented death since it was implemented.

Here are some of the most critical steps a driver should take in this process to ensure students are safe as they load and unload the school bus.

1. Stay Focused.   Don’t let distractions take your focus off safety at any point in the loading and unloading process, which can be the most dangerous step in transporting students.
2. Enforce Safe Student Behavior.   Drivers should watch students and ensure they are not playing around while getting on or off the bus, and are using the handrail to avoid falling.
3. Be Consistent.   Each step has an important purpose, and it is critical that the procedure is executed the same way every time so as not to confuse students or the motoring public.
4. Open The Door At The Right Time.   Open the entrance door only when all traffic has come to a complete stop. When loading, the opening of the door signals to students that it’s safe to approach the bus. When unloading, it lets them know that it’s safe to leave their seat and move to exit the bus.
5. Time The Flashing Light System Properly.   Activate the amber warning lights and tap the brake lights at 200 feet. Activate the right turn signal at 100 feet, stop no closer than 12 feet from the students and within 18 inches of and parallel to the curb.  Then, turn on the red light warning system.
6. Keep An Eye Out For Accessory Hazards.   Be aware of drawstrings, jackets, backpacks and backpack straps, scarves, belts, or any other loose items that could get caught in the door.
7. Take Command When Escorting Students Off Bus.   Drivers must act with authority during the escort process. Right after leaving the stepwell, they need to hold up the stop sign to stop motorists who ignore or do not see the stop arm or flashing lights.
8. Position Is Critical.   The driver must have a clear view of the crossing students and traffic at all times; that can only be done when standing sideways. The driver’s body should face the crossing students while the stop sign is facing traffic.
9. Look For Hazards.   Look under the bus before entering to make sure there are no potential hazards or children underneath.
10. Check Mirrors.   Drivers should be aware of blind spots, using all mirrors to the fullest extent possible, and lean forward in the driver’s seat, moving side to side to eliminate blind spots and ensure the street is clear of traffic, students, and hazards.
11. Be Mindful Of The Danger Zone.   While loading and unloading, do not move the bus if students are within 12 feet of it on any side. Additionally, back up only with assistance from a spotter when absolutely necessary. Instead, go around the block, if possible.
12. Count Students Multiple Times.   Drivers should get a student count as they see them approaching the stop, get on or off the bus, and leave the danger zone.
13. Check, Check Again.   After boarding the bus, the driver must check the right mirror zone before closing the entrance door. Next, they should perform a five-count mirror check to ensure there are no approaching students, all students are seated, no students or hazards are in front of the bus, traffic is still stopped, and check the right mirror zone again for any approaching students.

With school starting soon, this list is a “good to know” to ensure all students are safe at all times.

School bus drivers and aides at Polk County Public Schools in Bartow, FL, are now required to be certified in CPR and first aid as a result of the death of a special-needs student in 2018.

On Feb. 28, 2018, a school bus driver contacted police about a girl who was having a medical issue on the bus. Surveillance video showed the 14-year-old having a seizure, which lasted almost three minutes. When the bus aide noticed, she rushed over to the student and the driver pulled the bus over. They called dispatch and 911, but neither the aide nor driver knew what to do to help the student. Emergency responders arrived nearly 20 minutes later and gave her CPR. She died in the hospital.

The Florida Department of Education passed an amendment that contains the new requirement on to rule 6A-3.0121. That rule requires that school bus operators and aides be given written instructions about any special conditions or non-medical care that a student may need while aboard a school bus.

The amendment maintains those requirements, in addition to mandating certified CPR and first aid training along with other required pre-service training. The training must be given to school bus drivers and aides before they transport students, and drivers and aides need to receive refresher in-service training in these areas at least biennially. All drivers and aides must be provided the training by Nov. 1, 2020.

The parents of the girl who died, identified as Terissa Gautney by WTSP, shared their daughter’s story with the state Department of Education board members during the meeting.  Terissa’s parents have been calling for the training to be required since their daughter passed away, according to FOX 13 News. Gautney and Denise Williams have also been pushing for what they refer to as the Terissa Joy Act, which also calls for new radio systems to be installed on every school bus so drivers and aides could contact emergency personnel directly, without having to go through the school district’s dispatch center.

Polk County Public Schools is also upgrading the radio system on its buses, and expects the new system to be in place on all buses before the beginning of the new school year. With the new system, drivers and aides will no longer need to use cell phones to call 911 or to go through the district’s dispatchers to request help.

School bus driver shortage has been a constant challenge for the industry. As a result, transportation departments are often asking drivers to take on more shifts and recruiting other staff members to complete routes.  While some departments may be able to do more with less and still maintain a commitment to safety, it’s important for drivers not to get lost in the shuffle.

Driver satisfaction is the key to developing a better workplace. Here are 10 tips for promoting positive driver engagement, from team-building activities to training resources that can help drivers do their job more effectively.

1. Establish an Open-Door Policy – The drivers need to be able to see their directors and feel they are accessible.
2. Conduct Engagement Surveys – Ask the drivers what they need and if they have any suggestions either face to face or on paper.
3. Perform Driver Evaluations – Let the drivers know how they are performing.
4. Choose a Theme for the School Year – Picking a theme helps drivers work with, and relate to, their passengers.
5. Create a Rewards Program – The drivers need to feel that by rewarding their hard work, they are doing a great service.
6. Offer Professional Development Training – Offer the drivers chances to further their knowledge.
7. Host Team-Building Activities – By working together, the drivers can learn from each other.
8. Develop Specialized Committees – Appoint a staff to work with the drivers promoting positivity.
9. Participate in Community-Wide Events – Working on community events can promote camaraderie among the drivers.
10. Celebrate the Drivers – No matter how big or small the celebration, the drivers enjoy the recognition that they are needed and doing a good job at getting our children back and forth to school.

It is critical that school bus drivers not only care for and protect the students riding the bus, but also avoid collisions with bicyclists and other vulnerable road users outside of the bus.

Just before the start of the 2018-19 school year, as part of an annual in-service series of meetings to prepare for the coming school year, the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Public Schools transportation department held a symposium to address the issue of school buses and bicycles sharing the road in close proximity. They invited a variety of speakers who hold differing perspectives to present their point of view to the bus drivers. The list included a city planner, law enforcement officers, a psychology professor from a local university, state transportation safety specialists, members and the president of the local bicycle club, and an adult bicyclist who recently experienced a near miss with one of their school buses.

Several bicycle club members provided a hands-on demonstration of the difficulties that bicycle riders face while negotiating their bike alongside school buses and other motorized traffic.

To gain the perspective of a bicyclist, bus drivers were given the chance to ride a bicycle and experience the intimidating size, sound, and wind turbulence caused by a passing school bus. As several bicycles were ridden in single file, a school bus passed the line several times at varying speeds and at a distance of three to five feet to simulate passing on the road. The bus did the same alongside a line of bus drivers standing on a curb as pedestrians, driving by at 10 miles per hour and then at 30 miles per hour. The resulting wide eyes and gasps were apparent.

In another exercise, the bus was loaded with drivers as it followed a bicycle ridden by a club member through a mock city street laid out with construction cones. The drivers saw how the bicyclist had to swerve way out into the traffic lane to get around a parked car while also allowing room for a potentially open car door. The bus also followed the bike as it approached an intersection and the drivers saw that for a right turn, the bicyclist stayed close to the right curb.

Then, the drivers sat, one by one, in the driver’s seat of the bus while bicycles were placed at strategic locations around the bus for the purpose of demonstrating locations where the bicycles could be hidden from the driver’s view. Though blind spots were found to the rear of the bus and in front of the front bumper, the most dangerous place a bicycle rider is likely to be is to the right side of the bus, just behind the service door and five feet or more away from the bus.

Share the road. Bicycles are considered to be vehicles in most places, and as such, have as much right to use the road as motorists.

It’s a little over a month until school starts back (sorry kiddies!!)  Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school:

Walkers:

-Review your family’s walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child.

-Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic

-Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming

-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections

-Stay alert and avoid distracted walking

Bike Riders:

-Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child.

-Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file

-Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street

-Stay alert and avoid distracted riding

-Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing

Bus Riders:

-Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them.

-Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus

-Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb

-If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other

Driving Your Child to School:

-Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.

-Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school’s drop-off procedure

-Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street

-Never pass a bus loading or unloading children

-The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus