Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton issued a state proclamation establishing the week of Oct. 17–21, 2011 as School Bus Safety Week.
The proclamation highlights the importance of providing regularly training to school bus drivers as well as students on school bus safety rules and procedures, including emergency evacuations.
It also emphasizes the teamwork and vigilance required to improve student safety, stating, “School bus transportation directors, safety directors, mechanics, bus company owners and all those employed in the school bus industry continually review school bus safety policies and routing procedures, taking all precautions to protect our most precious cargo — our children.”
Also noted are the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association’s efforts to work with the Department of Education and Office of Pupil Transportation Safety to actively promote bus safety programs.
Gov. Dayton issued another proclamation Oct. 1 designating this month as Safe Routes to Schools Month. The federaly Safe Routes to School program “helps kids walk and bike to school more often through infrastructure improvements, education and promotional activities,” notes the proclamation. It also recognizes the participation of 115 schools and 78,000 students and staff statewide.
