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School Bus Safety Week highlights importance of school transportation


Posted Date: 10/18/2021

School Bus Safety Week highlights importance of school transportation

Beauregard Parish Schools will observe National School Bus Safety Week October 18-22, 2021. The week is sponsored annually by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).


“National School Bus Safety Week is a time set aside for parents, teachers, school bus operators, school officials, and motorists to address the importance of school bus safety in our community,” said Cord Ensminger, BPSB Director of Transportation.


The theme of the week is 1 Bus + 1 Driver = a BIG Impact on Education!


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the school bus is the safest way to travel to and from school. School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road. They are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries.


“School bus safety begins with the driver and the bus,” Ensminger explained, “and it extends to every motorist on the road.”


In Beauregard Parish, approximately 4,600 students are transported daily on 75 school bus routes in the parish. In addition, school buses transport students to and from school-related events throughout the school year.


The bus driver is a key part of bus safety. All bus operators are required to pass a physical exam and attend annual training to remain certified.


New drivers must pass the physical exam, attend 30 hours of pre-service training, have a criminal background check, and log ten hours behind the wheel with an experienced driver before being able to drive a school bus.


The Beauregard Parish Transportation Department conducts regular Bus Certification Classes for those interested in becoming certified to drive a school bus. Interested persons can contact the transportation office at 337-463-5705.


All school buses are inspected twice a year by trained mechanics and checked regularly for proper functioning.


In addition, every state has stop-arm laws to protect children from other vehicles. The flashing signal light provides an additional safety measure for school buses.


Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and unload children. Motorists need to slow down and be cautious.


Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights are no longer flashing to continue moving.


“Transporting students safely to and from school and school-related events is the responsibility of the Transportation Department,” said Ensminger. “Meeting this goal is dependent upon our department, our drivers, and the motorists on the road working together to ensure the safety of every child.”