Among a long list of heavy-duty trucking drivers, one school bus driver made the list — and her employer may sound familiar to those who have followed School Bus Fleet's Contractor of the Year award series.
Photo: Samsara
2 min to read
In its last fiscal year, Samsara helped its customers prevent more than 250,000 accidents.
Photo: Samsara
Samsara Inc. has announced its inaugural Samsara Verified Safest Drivers list.
This new program honors a select group of Samsara customers’ drivers with exceptional safety records and a commitment to operational excellence.
Ad Loading...
Elizabeth Martinez, a professional special needs school bus driver with Storer Transportation (whose CEO was our 2024 Contractor of the Year), is the lone school bus driver on this year’s list.
“Samsara helped me become a safer and more confident driver,” Martinez said. “When I’m on the road, it’s not just about me, I’m making sure students get to and from school safely. The AI Dash Cam is there to help keep us protected. It's an honor to be recognized for my driving skills, and for doing what I love.”
Samsara AI Dash Cams are designed with the driver experience in mind, acting as a partner in the cab that helps them operate safely and confidently, the company said. With real-time alerts, the AI Dash Cam helps drivers react to hazards and hone their skills. The Samsara platform also provides insights for driver recognition, enabling managers to celebrate safe driving streaks, share personalized kudos, and more.
“The Samsara Verified Safest Drivers list is a perfect way to celebrate the drivers who are setting a new standard for safety on the roads,” said Robert Stobaugh, COO, GTM, at Samsara. “We appreciate the hard work they do every day to keep our communities moving, and we are proud to provide the technology that supports them best.”
Each driver on the list has traveled thousands of miles with the fewest safety incidents among Samsara’s customers, avoiding risky behaviors like sudden braking, unsafe turns, following too closely, or driving without a seatbelt.
Ad Loading...
To view the full list of winners and learn more about the awards, visit Samsara's blog online.
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.
The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.