TOPEKA, Kansas — Gov. Sam Brownback has proclaimed this Wednesday, Oct. 22, School Bus Drivers’ Appreciation Day in Kansas.

The event falls amid National School Bus Safety Week, the theme of which is "At My Stop, You Stop!" this year.

Kansas school bus drivers transport more than 200,000 students about 66 million miles annually. There are currently 4,272 school bus drivers employed in the state.

In addition to obtaining a commercial driver's license, Kansas school bus drivers complete training in accident prevention, first aid and CPR.

“Every day, we entrust school bus drivers with our most precious cargo: our children,” said Keith Dreiling, director of the Kansas State Department of Education’s School Bus Safety Unit. “These drivers are not just trained to respond in emergency situations; they’re trained to prevent emergency situations every time they take the wheel of that bus. I hope everyone will take a minute to express their thanks to these men and women who safely transport our students to and from school and school activities every day.”

Dreiling stressed the importance of remembering that everyone plays a role in ensuring the safety of Kansas schoolchildren. Motorists must exercise caution and obey school bus stop lights and signs, and parents should regularly review school bus safety guidelines with their children.

Other recent news related to School Bus Safety Week:

• Iowa governor proclaims School Bus Safety Week