Here’s a look at the latest in pupil transportation products that were on view at the NAPT trade show in Louisville, Ky. New technologies included high-intensity LED warning lights and a browser-based fleet maintenance system.

The features of today’s vehicle lifts help prevent technician injuries, but to maximize their safety, pupil transporters must ensure that the lift is certified, that their shop can properly house the equipment, that techs are trained to operate it and that the lift is inspected annually.

SBF presents the 36th award to the veteran transportation director from
Virginia, who has served as a mentor for many new people entering the field.

Changing regulations, innovative state programs and transporting homeless students are also discussed during the annual NASDPTS conference in Louisville, Ky.

National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) members heard a major theme emerge during the general sessions and seminars at the 2009 Summit: namely, that transportation is a key part of the education system, and the industry must take on and promote that role in order to achieve larger safety and educational goals.

A school bus driver needs to be buckled in so he doesn't get thrown out of his seat, but there are some drivers out there who seem to be ignoring this message, as evidenced by the fatal Huntsville, Ala., bus crash in 2006. The driver was not wearing his seat belt.

Safety is freedom from risk. Nearly every accident is caused by unsafe behaviors performed by the driver. Operations must identify what these behaviors are and use training and education materials to persuade drivers and managers to remove them.

NHTSA is an agency of the Department of Transportation charged with promoting motor vehicle and highway safety. NTSB is an independent federal agency established to investigate transportation-related accidents.