WARRENVILLE, Ill – Durham School Services and Stock Transportation, leaders in student transportation, are 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 and Stock 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; do not 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 and Stock Transportation. “Safety is the primary value at Durham and Stock 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 and Stock Transportation are equipping their fleets 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 and Stock both have a comprehensive child-check program implemented across the North America; 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.
About Durham School Services and Stock Transportation
Durham School Services and Stock Transportation, leaders in the student transportation industry, make up National Express Corporation (NEC) and share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of safe, quality transportation, outstanding customer service, and positive employee relations. Together, they operate nearly 16,500 school buses and serve more than 400 school districts in 30 states and four provinces. NEC is the North American subsidiary of National Express Group, PLC, one of the premier transportation firms in the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.nationalexpresscorp.com, www.durhamschoolservices.com or www.stocktransportation.com.
