MONTPELIER, Vt. — Over the past two years, Vermont's Department of Motor Vehicles has been conducting school bus safety equipment checks in numerous locations throughout the state.

Some of the major items found were cracked frames, brakes out of adjustment or not functioning properly and pre-trip inspections not being conducted.

Does this mean that all drivers are not completing the pre-trip inspections as required by law, or that the mechanics are not performing the high quality of work that should be completed on the school bus? I don't think so.

I believe that most school bus drivers and mechanics are dedicated professionals who take pride in their work. In speaking with drivers and mechanics, I have found that they are trying to comply with state laws and that the safety of schoolchildren is a top priority.

I have spoken with several school busing companies and school districts in regard to the state laws regulating school buses. I explained the following:

• A school bus shall at all times be maintained in a safe operating condition.

  
  

• A systematic preventive maintenance program shall be established.

  
  

• Records shall be kept and shall be available at all times for inspection by any enforcement officer.

  
  

• School bus drivers shall perform daily pre-trip inspections of their vehicles and immediately report in writing to their supervisors any deficiencies discovered that might affect the safety of the vehicle.

  Violation of the above could result in a fine up to $1,171, in addition to administrative penalties being levied.

  When school bus safety checks are administered, the company or school district is given a 30-day notice that their school bus fleet will be checked. Even with the 30-day notice, we have taken numerous vehicles out of service. Other visits to the operations are unannounced.

  All of the inspectors who assist in the safety inspections have a school bus operator's CDL with passenger endorsement and are certified in the use of the newest brake-testing equipment.

  It usually takes a half hour for two inspectors to complete one school bus. At the end of the inspection, a written safety-check summary is given to the transportation fleet manager so that all defects can be noted and repaired. If a vehicle is taken out of service, a green defective-equipment sticker is placed in the driver windshield and remains there until all defects are corrected.

  Our goal is to ensure that the buses on Vermont's highways are safe. To accomplish this, school bus fleets must have a solid maintenance plan, the drivers must be well trained and do complete pre-trip inspections, and school bus regulations must be properly enforced.

  — INSPECTOR RONALD RICHER
  Transportation Program Specialist
  Education & Safety Unit
  Vermont Department of Motor Vechicles