The latest issue of School Bus Fleet is now available, and it's our annual safety edition!

In this issue, you'll find:

• 5 Questions: NTSB's Meg Sweeney on School Bus Safety: Check in with the NTSB in this Q&A that breaks down how the federal agency investigates school bus accidents, its push for key safety measures, and what lessons we've learned as an industry.

• Announcing the 2025 School Bus Driver Hero: Jackie Wilkerson Brown: Learn how our inaugural Driver Hero winner has become attuned to student needs, stepping in to support Dean Transportation and Lansing School District in ways that go far beyond her role.

• The Illegal Passing Problem: Reducing School Bus Stop-Arm Violations: With nearly 40 million violations estimated each year, illegal stop-arm passing is one of the greatest threats to student safety. Our deep dive examines national data, state responses, and emerging solutions aimed at stopping this epidemic.

• Beyond the Dash: Safety Tech Helping Drivers See It All: From ADAS to e-mirrors, new tech is reshaping school bus safety. This article explores how tools like driver monitoring, smart braking, and visibility upgrades are supporting drivers and preventing incidents.

• When the Smoke Clears: Tackling Vaping Where Cameras Can't See: Vaping isn't staying in bathrooms — it's showing up on school buses. Discover how districts are addressing the challenge with detection tools, policy enforcement, and fostering driver-student trust.

• Traffic Control & School Bus Stops: 9 Keys to Keeping Students Safe: Keeping kids safe at the bus stop takes more than flashing lights. From better signage to smarter traffic flow, here's how districts can cut risks and protect students.

• The Role of Accountability in Retaining School Bus Drivers: Amid a nationwide school bus driver shortage, many districts are tempted to ease standards just to keep buses running. But experts argue the opposite approach is what works: stronger leadership accountability, clear expectations, and consistent follow-through build trust, improve morale, and help retain drivers.

• Editor's Note: Honoring Everyday Heroes Behind the Wheel

• NSTA Advocacy in Action: Building the Future of Student Transportation: Highlights from NSTA's 2025 Annual Meeting and Convention