School Bus Safety: Give Caution to School Buses

You need to turn unto a road, then you see a big yellow school bus approaching. What is your first thought? Most people don't think they just turn in the bus's path. What happens inside the bus that no one sees? You can't hear the kids inside; you can't see little Johnny behind the driver, saying Suzie hit him. You don't see the condom being blown up and thrown around the bus. There is always a child getting out of their seat. Kids are always turned around talking to other kids. The driver is repeatedly telling them to turn around and to stay seated. Most states don't have seat belts. You usually don't see anything but the bus, or perhaps a friendly wave from the driver. It is all going on, even at the moment you desperately need to turn. As you quickly turn in front of them, little Johnny is standing there telling on Suzie. Is he about to fly out the window?

You may simply think I don't want to be stuck behind the bus. You have to get home or to work. Are you really going to care about that extra minute if one hair on Johnny's head is harmed? Will the bus driver, the police, or Johnny's parents care about your excuses? How many times a day, do you think this happens?

A school bus is the safest way for a child to get back and forth to school. I think everyone takes it for granted that the bus driver will always predict the other drivers movements. Think for a moment about your drive to and from work. You simply get in your car and go. You may get frustrated with other cars or a stop light but more than likely it is only for moments in a less than 20 minute drive.

Bus drivers are up checking their buses for safety while most are still in bed dreaming. They drive in the dark, rain, cold and extremely hot temperatures without air conditioning. Some states even drive in the snow. They are picking up children in the dark. Listening to children as they talk about their problems, sometimes they are the only adult that a child will talk to. Breaking up fights, constantly reminding them of the safety rules. Keeping everyone as calm as possible and safe while listening to 50-80 kids talking and laughing at the top of their lungs. Knowing whats going on in the bus as well as knowing what is going on outside the bus. Keeping control on one of the largest vehicles on the road. They travel down every road there is. They go up mountains, dirt road and turn around in places that most car drivers wouldn't know how. Often there are angry parents waiting at bus stops, because Suzie hit Johnny. Sometimes they are outright irate about it. They are responsible for the children's safety, getting them home on time everyday, They are responsible for the possible torn seats and gum on the floor. Bus drivers are in possible danger themselves at all times. Either in danger from drivers, parents or sometimes the students themselves. They have to comply to other drivers, parents, the garage, the schools, the board of education, the county and the state. They probably have more bosses than anyone. Their average bring home pay is less than 400.00 every two weeks. Often no health insurance is even offered because they drive under 8hrs a day. Making driving a school bus part time employment. Even though they get up before most of the world, they often have a second job between the route times. Because there isn't 8 hrs between route times, the second job would have to be part time also. They probably don't have insurance there either. They have to pass physicals and driving tests yearly. Because of each and every driver and their commitment, school buses are the safest means of transportation for students.

Please think twice before pulling in front of a school bus. Think about your drive then think about theirs. Your children are on board. Now you have more information please think twice about what you are really doing. Is your drive really that bad?