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driver handbook/policies

Does a Reported Drug Abuse Spike Impact Pupil Transportation?

A national survey finds that about 16% of all prescription drug use is misuse, and another study shows that illicit drug use has gone up, even among safety-sensitive professionals. What does this mean for pupil transportation?

School Bus Driver Accused of Playing Pokemon Go Behind the Wheel

Students claim the Tennessee driver played the game while driving, and she is placed on leave. Bus video reportedly shows no evidence of that, but it does show her letting a parent board the bus.

School Bus Driver Leaves 2 Students at Bus Stop

A North Carolina bus driver waits five minutes for students to board and then resumes the route. The mother of one of the students is trying to press charges against the driver, but the district says the driver followed protocol.

Video of school bus driver texting while driving leads to policy change

After a bus driver is caught on video texting while driving students, Prince George’s County (Md.) Public Schools adds to its policy an amendment that would lead to a driver being suspended, demoted or terminated for the offense.

6 Ways to Instill Safety Culture Among Drivers

Making sure drivers commit to preventive behaviors and that they understand how to eliminate risk are key. Discussing near-miss incidents as a group has also proved to be effective.

North Carolina approves revised school bus crossing procedure

The state’s board of education approved policy revisions requiring bus drivers to use hand signals to help students safely cross the street and for student safety training to be documented.

Maine could adopt new rule about transporting alcohol on buses

The state Department of Education is considering a rule next year that would prohibit school bus drivers from having unopened containers of alcohol in their vehicles after students found their driver's unopened beer on the bus. Currently, there is no state law that prohibits this.

Crime and punishment

In the February issue, Executive Editor Thomas McMahon described an incident in which a school bus driver was charged with illegally passing another school bus. He asked readers to tell us how they would respond to such an incident at their operation, and what offenses lead to immediate termination.

Innovative Driving Course Sharpens Skills

Before the start of the school year, Harford County Public Schools sets up an elaborate range of obstacles to test its bus drivers. Learning from past accidents and mastering difficult maneuvers are key steps to maximizing safety.

Restructuring Transportation for Tight Budgets

Districts across the country are facing budget cuts — sometimes drastic. Pupil transportation professionals are examining innovative ways to maintain current levels of service with significantly fewer dollars.