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Winter Preparedness Tips for Families from Student Transportation of America

As winter approaches, it brings with it a unique set of challenges, especially for families with children who rely on school transportation. Student Transportation of America (STA), a recognized leader in the field of student transportation and fleet safety, is urging parents, students, and all road users to be proactive about winter preparedness. This reminder comes as temperatures drop, mornings become darker, and the potential for inclement weather increases, highlighting the need for vigilance in keeping our children safe.

The Significance of Proactive Winter Preparedness

Winter weather can significantly affect transportation safety. With challenges like slick roads, reduced visibility, and icy conditions, it is crucial for all stakeholders—students, drivers, and guardians—to understand how to navigate these obstacles. “Our drivers are specially trained to handle winter conditions,” says Shelly Hall, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety at STA. “However, safety is a shared responsibility, and we want to empower students and their families to take ownership of their safety.”

Best Practices for Safe Driving

Driving in winter conditions is challenging, even for the most experienced drivers. STA has provided the following best practices to help all drivers, particularly those near school buses:

1. Adjust Your Speed: When driving on slippery roads, it is crucial to reduce your speed. Drivers should anticipate longer braking distances—up to three times more than under normal conditions.

2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Increase your following distance to six seconds rather than the usual four seconds. This additional time can be critical, especially when approaching a school bus or student stop.

3. Watch Out for Black Ice: Black ice can be deceptively hazardous, forming when air temperature decreases faster than the ground temperature. Be aware that roads may remain icy despite seemingly mild on-ground temperatures.

4. Understand Uneven Thawing: Recognize that some areas—especially bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots—don’t thaw at the same pace. As a result, school buses may reduce speeds in these zones to promote safety for all road users.

Guidelines for Students and Parents

In addition to road safety tips, there are several measures students and guardians can take to ensure a smooth winter experience:

• - Dress for the Weather: Encourage students to wear adequate layers, including hats, gloves, and boots to stay warm while waiting for the bus.
• - Arrive Early at Bus Stops: Students should plan to arrive earlier to account for potentially unshoveled or unsalted pathways.
• - Stay Alert: Students should remain observant of surrounding traffic and avoid distractions like playing in snow piles while waiting for the bus. Guardians can also help by encouraging youngsters to keep a safe distance from the bus stop until it is time to board.

STA's Commitment to Safety

STA also prepares its fleet for winter through diligent maintenance checks, ensuring that tires, heaters, and essential systems are functioning optimally. Ground teams continually assess road conditions and maintain communication with district partners to respond effectively to real-time changes in weather and roadway situations.

STA is committed to maintaining a safety-first culture, prioritizing rigorous driver training and compliance systems as part of its operations. This commitment is essential as STA serves over 325 districts, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of its mission.

About Student Transportation of America

Founded in 1997, Student Transportation of America (STA) has built a reputation based on family values, community involvement, and a steadfast focus on safety. Operating over 22,000 vehicles, STA provides student transport services across the U.S. and Canada. Their mission extends beyond just transporting children; it encompasses the responsibility of fostering a safe and eco-friendly environment for all passengers. To learn more about STA and their initiatives, visit rideSTA.com.