How Can We Reduce the Incidents
How Can We Reduce the Incidents of Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses?
Patsy Hudson
Mount Olive College
How Can We Reduce the Incidents of Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses?
Safety at the school bus stop is an issue that is widely discussed with the beginning of each new school year yet it’s probably one of the most neglected topics as the school year progresses. Most of us as humans crave routine to have our day run smoothly and there is nothing more routine than the route a school bus runs each day. The unfortunate side of that routine is complacency. Complacency on the part of motorists and school bus drivers alike. Stop arm violation reports have been collected by the state of North Carolina since 1999 revealing a persistent problem that exposes school children to ever increasing danger at the bus stop. Since that same year, thirteen children have lost their lives while getting on or off the bus revealing an even more dangerous dilemma. Are motorists passing stop school buses because they are unaware of the way the law is written? Are motorists trying to “beat the clock” by passing the bus? Is it worth risking a life by passing the bus? This is an issue that hits close to home for me because I’ve worked in school transportation for almost fourteen years. I see every day the potential risks motorists take while traveling.
School bus drivers are trained in passenger stop procedures. This procedure involves taking steps using safety equipment installed on the bus by the manufacturer to alert surrounding motorists of the driver’s intentions. This procedure involves using the yellow flashing lights on the bus to alert nearby motorists to begin slowing down. Once the bus comes to a stop and the stop sign and front walk arm are deployed and the students enters or exits the bus. It’s unfortunate to realize motorists usually see the flashing yellow lights and speed up to avoid being stopped by the bus.
While school bus
Patsy Hudson
Mount Olive College
How Can We Reduce the Incidents of Illegal Passing of Stopped School Buses?
Safety at the school bus stop is an issue that is widely discussed with the beginning of each new school year yet it’s probably one of the most neglected topics as the school year progresses. Most of us as humans crave routine to have our day run smoothly and there is nothing more routine than the route a school bus runs each day. The unfortunate side of that routine is complacency. Complacency on the part of motorists and school bus drivers alike. Stop arm violation reports have been collected by the state of North Carolina since 1999 revealing a persistent problem that exposes school children to ever increasing danger at the bus stop. Since that same year, thirteen children have lost their lives while getting on or off the bus revealing an even more dangerous dilemma. Are motorists passing stop school buses because they are unaware of the way the law is written? Are motorists trying to “beat the clock” by passing the bus? Is it worth risking a life by passing the bus? This is an issue that hits close to home for me because I’ve worked in school transportation for almost fourteen years. I see every day the potential risks motorists take while traveling.
School bus drivers are trained in passenger stop procedures. This procedure involves taking steps using safety equipment installed on the bus by the manufacturer to alert surrounding motorists of the driver’s intentions. This procedure involves using the yellow flashing lights on the bus to alert nearby motorists to begin slowing down. Once the bus comes to a stop and the stop sign and front walk arm are deployed and the students enters or exits the bus. It’s unfortunate to realize motorists usually see the flashing yellow lights and speed up to avoid being stopped by the bus.
While school bus
References: McCray, L. B., & Brewer, J. (2011). Child Safety Research in School Buses. American School Bus Council. McMahon, T. (2012, December 5). School Bus Fleet. Retrieved from http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/channel/school-bus-safety/news/2012/12/05/6-of-9-danger-zone-deaths-were-by-other-vehicle.aspx NC School Bus Safety Web ncbussafety. (2014, 11 18). Retrieved from www.ncbussafety.org: http://www.ncbussafety.org/SchoolBusSafety/SBSWlaw.html Roher, K School Bus Fleet. (2012, December 5). Retrieved from http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/channel/school-bus-safety/news/2012/12/05/6-of-9-danger-zone-deaths-were-by-other-vehicle.aspx School Bus Fleet School Bus Safety Spotlighted as New School Year Begins. (2014, August 21). Retrieved from NC Public Schools: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/newsroom/news/2014-15/20140821-01