Bus drivers from all over New York gather in head-to-head competition to determine who ranks best statewide in an annual school bus safety contest on May 16.
Held by the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA), the 44th Annual New York State School Bus Safety Competition draws in contestants from all over the region. More than 100 bus drivers have their knowledge and skillfulness in student safety put to the test in a series of trails throughout the day at Rockland Lake State Park.
Starting early in the morning, contestants take an exam on school bus safety, answering questions based on the Article 19A written test. From there, drivers are judged through a variety of re-created situations to gauge proficiency in vehicle inspection, loading and unloading students, turning and stopping and railroad crossing, to name a few.
Contestants are divided into specified divisions, from large type C and D buses down to smaller type A vans. Judges come from a number of participating organizations and companies, and also step in to play the roles of students when necessary.
Providers of private student transportation have one mission, ensuring the safety of each of the more than one million children who ride New York buses daily. “You can be certain that drivers that do well, or finish near or at the top of the competition, are truly the best of the best,” said NYSBCA President Bob Pape.
Trophies are awarded to first, second and third place, with plaques given to those who come in fourth and fifth place.
First-place winners are given the opportunity to compete in either the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) International School Bus Safety Competition or the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) Safety Competition.
“By sharing their knowledge and competing in this event,” Pape said, “[contestants] become even better drivers, and that helps make the ride even safer for the children we transport on our school buses.”
