National stop-arm survey counts 76K violations

More than 97,000 school bus drivers participated in this year’s nationwide survey of illegal bus passing, which is spearheaded by NASDPTS. Association officials say that the one-day total of 75,966 stop-arm violations points to more than 13 million violations in a 180-day school year.

Charlie Hood named next executive director of NASDPTS

Hood, the longtime Florida state pupil transportation director, will take on the association position this summer, after current Executive Director Bob Riley retires. NASDPTS President Max Christensen says that Hood "brings new ideas and enthusiasm to the position that will help the association move forward with expanded services and direction."

New NASDPTS paper details support for lap-shoulder belts

The new position paper elaborates on the state directors association’s recently updated stance on lap-shoulder belts — fully supporting their installation and use in school buses. NASDPTS lays out 10 supporting points for its position, including the limits of compartmentalization and the ability of current lap-shoulder belt systems to maintain bus capacity.

NASDPTS bolsters support for lap-shoulder belts

The state directors association had previously expressed its support for lap-shoulder belts if funding is made available. At the annual NASDPTS conference, the board strengthens its position by dropping the funding clause. Safety topics were the focus of many conference sessions.

NASDPTS Executive Director Bob Riley to retire

Riley, a former state and district director, has held the executive role for the state pupil transportation directors association since 2006. NASDPTS is now searching for a replacement for Riley, who is expected to retire in June of next year.

State directors to develop training guidelines for seat belts

In response to NTSB recommendations, NASDPTS says it will develop guidelines to assist schools in training bus drivers, students and parents on “the importance and proper use” of various types of school bus seat belts. The state directors association says it will also develop educational materials on “lap and shoulder belts providing the highest level of protection for school bus passengers” — another NTSB recommendation.

2013 NASDPTS and NAPT Conferences

NASDPTS bolsters support for lap-shoulder belts

The state directors association had previously expressed its support for lap-shoulder belts if funding is made available. Now, the NASDPTS board strengthens its position by dropping the funding clause. However, the association is not calling for a requirement. “We believe this should be a local decision based on local need,” NASDPTS President Max Christensen says.

NAPT News & Views — NTSB official, Carrollton film on tap for 2013 Summit

NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher A. Hart will headline the NAPT/NASDPTS joint session. Emmy-nominated writer and historian Daniel Blake Smith will present a screening of the film “Impact: After the Crash,” a reenactment of the catastrophic 1988 bus crash in Carrollton, Ky., that shares inspirational stories of survivors.