Oregon association to hold school bus driver training workshop
Topics covered in the Feb. 20 event will include lessons learned from the Reynolds High School shooting; the effects of insomnia, alcohol and drugs; and walk-throughs of overturned and smoke-filled buses.

An Oregon Pupil Transportation Association (OPTA) workshop will cover such topics as lessons from the Reynolds High School shooting. Seen here is Kathy Houck speaking on that subject at the OPTA 2015 conference.

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.
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