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School Bus Safety

With the start of a new 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 at the forefront of all we do. Riding a bus is the safest way for children to get to and from school. It's safer than walking, riding a bike or even riding in the family car. School buses are designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and preventing injury.

First Student school buses are packed with state-of-the-art safety features to protect our riders.

•      High-definition GPS systems are on most First Student buses, providing exact location and speed of a school bus at any time.

•      Child Check-Mate System® is an on-board electronic reminder system that reminds drivers to check for sleeping children before leaving the bus.

•      Flashing lights and extended stop arms warn motorists that children are boarding or unloading.

•      Well-anchored seats with high backs and heavy padding create a protective seating area.

•      Smaller buses for preschool children and special needs students utilize car seats or specialized restraint systems. Many of these buses have an assistant on board.

First Student buses operate under stringent safety protocols.

•      Preventive maintenance inspections are conducted by certified mechanics, ensuring buses run at peak performance.

•      Vehicle safety checks are performed before each route.

•      Our strict no-idling policy reduces school bus emissions.

First Student drivers must meet extensive safety and training requirements.

•      A comprehensive background check as well as a drug and alcohol screenings.

•      A Department of Transportation physical exam.

•      Typically take part in more than 50 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.

•      Safety and training meetings.

•      Regular driving history checks and random drug and alcohol screens

Safety is a core value at First Student.

We pride ourselves on our safety record, dedicated personnel and overall performance. Safely transporting five million student journeys entrusted to us on our buses each day is a responsibility we take very seriously.

New Bus Safety Program to Tackle Illegal Passing

Beginning September 30, 2024, WSD began a new School Bus Safety Program in partnership with our local law enforcement and BusPatrol. All buses are equipped with photo enforcement technology to detect the license plates of vehicles that fail to stop for school buses and put our children at risk. It's important for all drivers to know the bus stopping laws. First time violations are $300!

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