The week of October 16 through 20, is National School Bus Safety Week. This year’s theme, “Stop on Red,” reminds motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside of school buses.
In support of National School Bus Safety Week, the ESC Region 19 Head Start Transportation Team will be spreading the word about keeping children safe through center presentations and safety tips.
At Region 19 Head Start, the bus drivers and monitors do a safety-check every morning to ensure that the buses are working properly. They receive on-going school bus certification and customer service training to help foster positive relationships with the children and families.
“The best way to keep our children safe in and around the bus is to educate parents, children and the community. It is our responsibility to let others know they play an important role in protecting our children,” Transportation Supervisor Tony Holguin said. “During school parent meetings, we talk with and encourage parents to help us by supervising children at the bus stop and talking to their kids about ways to stay safe.”
According to Texas statue, a motorist approaching a school bus from either direction is required to stop while the bus is stopped and displaying red flashing lights and/or a stop arm. The driver may proceed until the following: the school bus resumes motion; the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or the visual signal is no longer activated.
If a roadway is divided only by a left-turning lane, drivers on both sides of the road must stop for school buses with active alternating red flashing lights and/or a stop arm. However, if a roadway of four or more lanes is separated by an intervening space (between the opposite lanes) or physical barrier, only motorist going in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.
“Our school bus drivers transport approximately 1,200 infants, toddlers and preschoolers to and from school every day. The school bus remains the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school,” Holguin said. “As an added safety, our buses are equipped with lap belts to ensure a safer ride for our children. And with the help of our motorists, parents and the community we can ensure our children are safe.”
We also take this time to recognize the hard work and dedication of our school bus drivers and custodians. Some bus drivers/monitors also take on the role of custodians to assist school staff in any way possible.
“As custodians, we have a very important job; we make our schools sparkle. We make sure our classrooms and playgrounds are clean, that items are sanitized and safe so that our kids, families and staff are in a clean and safe environment,” Custodial Supervisor Jesus Lopez said. “We maintain the outside and inside of our buildings and assist in whatever we can. And the best part of our job is to see our children and families smile.”
As a token of appreciation, the Region 19 administrative team will be visiting every school to meet with and personally thank each bus driver, monitor and custodian.