HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — A school bus driver here was recently honored with an award from a state legislator for his defensive driving, which kept his passengers safe.

On the morning of June 22, the last day of the school year, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker presented Educational Bus Transportation driver Titus Francis with a citation honoring him for “noteworthy achievement” and “exemplary service” as a result of actions he took while driving students for a field trip.
 
According to Jason Martinoff, a parent who was on the bus for the field trip, Francis’ defensive driving helped avoid what could have been a serious accident when an SUV heading in the wrong direction approached the bus head-on.

“Titus did well to keep us all safe,” Martinoff said. “I know people are always quick to complain when something is amiss. I feel that there should be equal praise for something like this.”

The citation presented to Francis, whose grandchildren were on the bus that day, states in part, “Your fast reflexes and skilled driving techniques saved the lives of children in your care, avoiding what would have been a serious accident.”

Tim Flood, the executive vice president of The Trans Group, of which Educational Bus Transportation is a subsidiary, expressed pride in Francis on behalf of the company.

“Every day, school bus drivers are entrusted with the safety of their passengers,” he said. “Too often they are unsung heroes, performing their jobs with unbelievable dedication. It is always appreciated when someone like Legislator Walker takes time from her busy schedule to recognize a school bus driver for his or her achievement and steadfast commitment to safety.”

Educational Bus Transportation, a member organization of The Trans Group, serves school districts in eastern Nassau and western Suffolk counties.

With more than 1,300 vehicles and over 2,000 employees, The Trans Group provides transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in lower New York state and Long Island.