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Safetyby Thomas McMahonJanuary 13, 2014

Positive experiences with seat belts

In the debate on whether seat belts are a good fit for large school buses, it seems that the best insight comes from those who actually have experience with the restraints in their fleet. SBF Executive Editor Thomas McMahon hit the road in November to visit Buellton USD and another district in Santa Barbara County, Goleta USD. Both had interesting perspectives to share about their fleets and the environments in which they operate.

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Managementby Thomas McMahonJanuary 9, 2014

NASDPTS bolsters support for lap-shoulder belts

The state directors association had previously expressed its support for lap-shoulder belts if funding is made available. At the annual NASDPTS conference, the board strengthens its position by dropping the funding clause. Safety topics were the focus of many conference sessions.

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Managementby Nicole SchlosserJanuary 6, 2014

Web exclusive: Bonus coverage of NAPT sessions

Here's the scoop on several engaging sessions at the National Association for Pupil Transportation's 2013 Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich. Topics include school bus loading and unloading safety, Medicaid reimbursement, and overcoming the challenges of a disability.

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Managementby Thomas McMahon, Kelly Aguinaldo, Nicole Schlosser January 6, 2014

NAPT Summit report

From sessions on enhancing safety and efficiency to awards for outstanding service, here’s our rundown of highlights from the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s 2013 Summit, held in Grand Rapids, Mich., in October.

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ManagementCover Storyby Nicole SchlosserJanuary 3, 2014

5 tips for connecting with special-needs students

Using visuals and short, simple statements are key changes drivers and aides can make in their communication style to better connect with students who have hearing, vision and cognitive impairments, and physical endurance issues. Meanwhile, transportation directors should build a solid communication plan between drivers and aides, teachers, nurses and parents to ensure everyone involved has the information needed to serve the students.

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Safetyby Frank Di GiacomoDecember 19, 2013

Stats show safer roads

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s latest Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, there were 33,561 highway deaths in 2012. While that was a 3% increase from 2011, NHTSA officials pointed out that highway deaths over the past five years continue to remain at historic lows.

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Managementby Michael Shields and David McCuistionDecember 3, 2013

Leadership, from Lincoln to school bus drivers

Like this Civil War-era luminary and others, bus drivers provide guidance to their passengers, and they are dedicated and care for those they work with and serve — all characteristics of a great leader.

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Managementby StaffDecember 3, 2013

NAPT News & Views — Dave McDonald shares his hopes, fears

To shed some light on the personalities that make up the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) board of directors, the association has launched a series of board member profiles. Here, we hear from Dave McDonald, NAPT affiliate member director and director of business development and technical sales for Rosco Vision Systems.

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Managementby StaffDecember 3, 2013

Dispatcher digs dinosaur fossils

Every summer, Terry Thomason, a dispatcher for Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix, travels to Minneapolis, where she and her mother and siblings volunteer for the Marmarth Research Foundation.

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Safetyby Thomas McMahonDecember 3, 2013

Thinking outside the bus

In the school bus industry, which has built an unparalleled safety record with its thorough driver requirements and strict vehicle construction standards, the thought of stepping outside of the school bus is disconcerting for many.

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