From 2023: Georgia School District Recognized with Samsara Award
School Bus Driver Makes Samsara's Safest Drivers List
Elizabeth Martinez, a special needs driver for Storer Transportation, is honored for her exceptional safety record and use of AI dash cams.
September 16, 2025
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.
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.
To view the full list of winners and learn more about the awards, visit Samsara's blog online.
Last week, First Student announced it will soon be implementing Samsara's full suite of solutions, including the AI dash cam.
More Safety
NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
Sponsored•June 22, 2026
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →