Oregon association to hold school bus driver training workshop

The Oregon Pupil Transportation Association’s South Willamette chapter is conducting a training workshop for school bus drivers and other transportation personnel on Feb. 20.

Workshop topics will include lessons learned from the Reynolds High School shooting; what to expect from the police in an emergency; and the effects of insomnia, alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications.

Attendees will also be able to participate in hands-on exercises, such as walking through overturned buses and a smoke-filled bus, and wearing goggles that simulate the experience of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, attendees will watch video vignettes showing drivers making the wrong decision with insomnia, alcohol and drugs, ultimately leading to a catastrophic crash with students on board.

There are currently more than 800 school bus drivers and staff from across the state registered for the workshop, which will be held at Springfield High School.