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Ensuring Safe Bus Stops: A Priority for Student Transportation of America

As the back-to-school season approaches, Student Transportation of America (STA) is stepping up its commitment to ensuring the safety of students at bus stops. With a focus on safety protocols and community engagement, STA is encouraging families and drivers to collaborate in fostering safe routines as students return to school.

This initiative is particularly essential for families who may be experiencing their child's first day of riding a school bus. For others, it may signify a return to familiar routines. Shelly Hall, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety at STA, emphasizes that instilling good habits around bus safety from day one is crucial in providing peace of mind for families. Setting up smart routines at the bus stop and on the bus can significantly contribute to a safe return to the classroom.

Recognizing the importance of education, STA has introduced several resources to ensure both parents and students are well-informed about bus safety. One standout offering is the school bus pledge, which serves as a guide for safe bus riding practices. Moreover, STA has implemented the Young Riders educational program, where key safety messages and practices are shared with students, ensuring they are aware of the necessary precautions when waiting for or using the bus.

The Importance of Awareness

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are meticulously regulated vehicles designed to prevent accidents and injuries. However, children remain most vulnerable as they approach or depart from the bus. This year, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) projected alarming statistics, indicating over 39.3 million illegal school bus passings during the previous school year, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance from both drivers and families.

With this in mind, STA has released several tips aimed at enhancing student safety during this critical time. These include:

1. Arrive Early: Encourage students to get to the bus stop early and discourage running to catch the bus.
2. Stand Back from the Curb: Students should maintain a distance of five steps from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching.
3. Stay Alert: Limit distractions such as headphones or cellphones at the bus stop, ensuring students remain aware of their surroundings.
4. Watch for Traffic: Teach children to look both ways when crossing streets and be mindful of traffic in busy driveways near the bus stop.
5. Cross in Front: If crossing the street, students should do so in front of the bus, establishing eye contact with the driver and waiting for their signal.
6. Stay Visible: Be aware of the bus's blind spots, especially the danger zones within 10 feet in front and either side of the bus, as well as behind it.

Hall underscores the importance of practical demonstrations for younger students by having parents or guardians accompany them on their first school bus ride. For returning students, having discussions centered around bus safety at home can reinforce these critical messages and keep safety at the forefront of their minds.

A Shared Responsibility

STA recognizes that its strength lies in the dedication and professionalism of its drivers and staff. Extensive training prepares them for various scenarios, but true success also depends on cooperative efforts between families, schools, and transportation providers. STA aims to foster a culture of safety by equipping its employees and the communities it serves with the necessary tools and knowledge to keep children safe.

Daily, STA provides transportation for over 1.25 million children across numerous districts in the United States and Canada. Committed to safety, the company has established an industry-leading training program that combines comprehensive classroom instruction with practical experience for its drivers. With many terminals currently looking for bus drivers, aides, and mechanics for the upcoming school year, STA continues to expand its capacity to meet the safety needs of the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, Student Transportation of America has built its foundation on family, community, and a dedicated safety-first philosophy. Operating a fleet of over 22,000 vehicles, the company is dedicated to delivering dependable and safe transportation solutions to its customers. Furthermore, STA remains proactive in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, contributing to a greener future for the transportation industry. For more information about their safety initiatives or to learn more about STA, visit rideSTA.com.