WALL,
N.J., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Student
Transportation of America (STA), a leading provider of student
transportation, safety, and fleet services, reminds students,
guardians, and fellow drivers of the importance of school bus
safety, and safe driving practices, as children across the country
head back to school in the coming weeks.
Together, we can ensure students are safely
transported to and from school and have a positive experience on
the bus.
"Back-to-school season is upon us, and as we prepare for
another great year, we want to remind everyone how important it is
to be mindful of our young passengers. Everyone plays a role in
keeping students safe this school year," said Shelly Hall, Senior Vice President of Health
& Safety for STA. "The safety of our students is and always
will be our highest priority at STA. We are proud to be an industry
leader in driver safety and training, but we aren't the only ones
on the roads. Please be mindful that school buses will be in your
neighborhood. Watch for flashing lights, prepare for frequent
stops, and look out for our students, especially in the early
morning and afternoon hours."
Safety tips for motorists sharing the road:
- Avoid Distractions: If there's a school bus in your
neighborhood, avoid cell phones, radios, and other distractions.
Stay focused on the surrounding areas. Even with safety precautions
in place, children can be unpredictable.
- Check for Lights: Mistakes happen when in a rush, so it
is imperative to abide by the speed limit and take the time to
monitor changing bus lights. When a school bus flashes its yellow
lights, it indicates the bus is preparing to stop, and drivers
should also prepare to stop their vehicle. If the bus flashes its
red lights and the stop arm is extended, the bus has stopped, and
children are getting on or off. All other drivers must stop their
vehicles.
- Be Observant: When a bus is parked, look around for
students passing in front or on the side of the bus. There are
potential blind spots that could prevent motorists from seeing
students coming, as well as other nearby pedestrians or bike
riders. Accidents can be avoided.
Safety reminders for students, parents, and
guardians:
- Arrive Early: Students should arrive at the bus stop
five minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Encourage students
to stand five steps away from the curb and always make sure the bus
is fully stopped before approaching. If a student misses the
pickup, never chase a school bus.
- Stay Alert: Students need to look both ways before
crossing a street and wait for their driver to signal when it's a
safe time to cross. Remind students to be on the lookout for
oncoming traffic and limit their use of headphones, cellphones, or
other distractions at the bus stop.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Teach students about safety around
the bus. This includes never walking too close to the front, always
taking three steps away from the side, and avoiding the back of the
bus where the driver cannot see students crossing.
Hall adds, "We appreciate everyone's cooperation when it comes
to keeping students, pedestrians, and drivers safe while on the
road. Together, we can ensure students are safely transported to
and from school and have a positive experience on the bus."
STA provides transportation services to more than 1.25 million
children on a daily basis, serving districts across the U.S. and
Canada. Every aspect of the
operation is designed with the safety of passengers in mind. The
company proudly offers an industry-leading training program for its
bus drivers featuring comprehensive classroom and behind-the-wheel
training. To learn more, visit rideSTA.com.
About Student Transportation of America
Student Transportation of America (STA), an industry leader in
school transportation and fleet services, was founded in 1997 on
the bedrock of family, community, and a safety-first mindset.
Operating more than 22,000 vehicles, STA provides customers with
the highest level of safe and reliable student transportation,
management, logistics, and technology solutions throughout the U.S.
and Canada. The company is focused
on fostering a safety-driven culture that empowers its employees to
feel proud of their work, delivering safe, reliable, and on-time
service. Additionally, STA's commitment to positively impacting the
health of our passengers and the planet is evident through its
conscious decision to undertake each initiative to decrease its
carbon footprint to help move the company and industry toward a
greener future. For more information, please
visit www.rideSTA.com.
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SOURCE Student Transportation of America