School Bus Safety Features

 

With the start of another school year, First Student would like all  parents to know that your children are in good hands each time

they ride on a First Student bus.The safety of the children we transport is our primary concern.

 

Did you know that riding a bus to school is the safest way for children to get to and from school? It”’s safer than walking or riding

a bike and even 13 times safer than riding in the family car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Every First Student school bus is packed with safety features to protect our riders:

§       Global positioning systems (GPS) being installed on First Student buses provide dispatchers with the exact location and speed of a school bus at any time.It also provides a record of each bus route and all of its stops, starts and passes.

§       As the leader in school transportation safety, First Student was the first to install Safety Crossing Gates on the front of all buses to keep children from crossing directly in front of the bus so drivers can better see them.

§       Another first””all First Student buses are equipped with an electronic reminder system that aids drivers in checking for sleeping children at the end of each route.

§       Flashing lights and extended stop arms warn motorists that children are boarding or unloading a bus.

§       Every First Student bus is designed with well-anchored seats with high backs that are heavily padded to absorb impact and create a protective area.

§       Smaller buses for preschool children and special needs students utilize car seats or specialized restraint systems and have a monitor on board at all times.

 

In addition, First Student buses operate under many stringent safety protocols:

§      Certified mechanics perform preventive maintenance inspections to ensure buses are running at peak performance.

§       Drivers conduct vehicle safety checks before each route.

§       Drivers adhere to a strict no-idling policy to reduce school bus emissions.

 

First Student drivers must meet extensive requirements:

§       Each driver must pass a comprehensive background check, substance screen and full DOT physical exam.

§       Drivers must complete more than 50 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.

§       In addition, monthly safety and training meetings throughout the year reinforce operational and safety policies and procedures.

§       And, First Student regularly conducts driving history checks as well as random drug screens.

 

Safety is a core value at First Student.We pride ourselves on our safety record, dedicated personnel and overall performance.Safely transporting the 4 million children entrusted to us on our buses each day is a responsibility we take very seriously.

For more information, visit us online at www.firststudentinc.com