Durham School Services Promotes National School Bus Safety Week
Industry-wide Safety Educational Effort Kicks Off Oct. 17
WARRENVILLE, Ill – Durham School Services, a leader in student transportation, is advocating for safety awareness during National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 17-21, 2011. This year’s theme, “Be Aware - Know the Danger Zone!” highlights the importance of keeping children safe outside of the school bus, especially when they are boarding or exiting. Durham would like to use this week as an opportunity to remind students and motorists of important school bus safety tips.
Students
- Stay out of the “Danger Zone” by keeping 10 giant steps away from the bus at all times.
- Cross in front of the bus crossing gate and always remain in sight of the driver.
- Be alert around school buses; don’t text, talk on cell phones or listen to MP3 players.
Motorists
- You are required to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing.
- Use extra caution when driving near school buses or in a school zone.
“It’s important to remind parents, students and motorists about practicing school bus safety,” says Michele McDermott, senior vice president of safety and human resources for Durham School Services. “Safety is the primary value at Durham School Services and National School Bus Safety Week is just one more way we can advocate for everyone to use extra caution around school buses.”
School buses already are one of the safest modes of transportation on the road. To further increase the safety of its buses, Durham School Services is equipping its fleet with the latest in global positioning technology. Drivers utilize the system’s state-of-the-art handheld electronic device to complete a multi-point pre- and post-trip safety inspection to ensure the bus is in top operating condition and that drivers have checked for sleeping children. Durham School Services has a comprehensive child-check program implemented across the U.S.; this system enhances our procedures.
“This advanced GPS technology provides real-time benefits that enhance our daily safety procedures and ensure the students we transport are safe and secure on their ride to and from school every day," says McDermott.
###
Kristin Sattayatam
630.821.5635
kristin.sattayatam@nationalexpresscorp.com
About Durham School Services
Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 30 states and operates a fleet of nearly 13,000 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time, and ready to learn.” For more information, visit www.durhamschoolservices.com.