MACEDONIA, Ohio — School Bus Safety Co. has released the Driver Training Course, which provides school bus drivers with skills to prevent vehicular accidents. Company CEO Mark Gardner said that while the incidence of school bus-related student fatalities is low, the majority of accidents could be prevented with more effective driver training.

The Driver Training Course covers 15 integrated topics, such as conducting pre- and post-trip inspections, defensive driving, emergency evacuations and student management. The Trainer’s Kit contains 15 instructional DVDs, educational posters and a behind-the-wheel trainer’s guide featuring lists of performance standards.

"Our course is the only one that provides driver performance standards," Gardner said. "These are statements of successful operating behavior that can be used to evaluate driver competence. Using these standards, school districts can certify that every driver can perform the required safe driving skills."

The kit costs $3,750, including materials for all 15 programs and one of each trainer manual. For more information, visit www.schoolbussafetyco.com.