NAPT is one of many groups nationwide spreading the word about April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It is reminding student transporters how preventing distracted driving is critical in pupil transportation.
In a statement sent to NAPT members, the group stated that there is an especially high public expectation of safety excellence when it comes to transporting students to and from school.
“Distraction of any kind could compromise the safety of passengers, children getting on and off the school bus, and other motorists,” the group said in the statement.
Additionally, NAPT encouraged states, school districts and school bus operators that haven’t done so already, to mark this month by implementing policies banning cell phone use and texting while driving. The group posted an “infomercial” video on its website to help emphasize the dangers of texting while driving.
NAPT’s statement was sent in the same time the U.S. Department of Transportation released findings from a NHTSA-conducted survey on young adults and distracted driving. The survey reported that adults in the 18 to 20 age range are least likely passengers to say something to a driver who is texting or talking on a cell phone.
