As the 2019-2020 school year commences, school bus safety becomes the spotlight of media and district attention. Several school district’s transportation departments nationwide are creating safety videos to remind students and motorists of what to expect during back-to-school time.
Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City Area Schools, based in Michigan City, Indiana, next to Lake Michigan, gathered its transportation department together and created a video that highlights the importance of stopping for school buses.
The video started by saying, “On just one day, April 23, 2019, Michigan City Area Schools bus drivers recorded 30 motorists ignoring their extended stop arms.” The video continued by noting, “Please. STOP, before you hurt a child. (It’s the law.)”
The video is a parody of the song “Stop in the Name of Love” by the Supremes. It was changed to “Stop, when the arm is out,” and features several school bus safety tips throughout.
Pasco County, Florida
At Pasco County, Florida, located just north of Tampa, a school bus driver posted a video on YouTube. The parody of the “Old Town Road” song by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, was called “Washboard Road.” It also addresses motorists illegally passing the extended stop sign.
The video chorus echoes an incident that happened to the driver, Mr. Jay, when in two separate incidents, his mirrors did fall on the infamous “Richland Road,” aka the “washboard road.”
The video highlights several factors that bus drivers encounter on a daily basis.
Iredell-Statesville Schools, North Carolina
At Central Elementary School in North Carolina, located north of Charlotte, students and staff created a parody of “Old Time Road,” calling it “Old School Road.” The video features staff who are dressed in western wear to welcome back students to school.
The video encompasses all aspects of the school day, from the bus ride and playground to the classroom.
Manatee County, Florida
In Manatee County, Florida, located south of Tampa, school bus drivers created a safety video to the music of “This Is How We Do It,” by Montel Jordan. The video features bus staff members working through their daily routine.
The video highlights school bus rules and regulations that will get students written up when riding the bus.
West Des Moines Community Schools, Iowa
At West Des Moines Community Schools in Iowa, the transportation department got groovy with an older tune for the upcoming school year. The video is a parody of the song, “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees.
The parody, called “Follow the Rules,” outlines the school bus safety rules for the new school year. Some of the rules include sit in your seat, don’t swear and listen to the driver.
The bus staff is featured in 70s attire, dancing and singing along to the beat of the song.
Editor’s Note: Email your back-to-school safety video to taylor@stnonline.com for a chance to be added to this article or appear on our social media.
