School Transportation News reviews the 2014 online articles that received the most traffic over the past 12 months.
At least once a month top news from the school transportation industry enters the national spotlight, even beyond the tragic accidents that make STN’s most-read list each year (see No. 5-7 below). Popular topics range from issues like passenger safety (No. 2) and the retirement of a national figurehead (No. 8), to our very own national school bus conference (No. 3). It is no surprise that two articles about school bus cameras drew a wide audience (No. 9 and 11), because safety reigns supreme for those involved in transporting the most precious cargo there is — our children.
NSTA Announces 2014 Candidates for Top Posts, Extends Deadline for Awards
(May 27, 2014)
The National School Transportation Association has released the roster of officers and directors to be considered at its Annual Meeting and Convention in Charleston, S.C., on Tuesday, July 22.
NASDPTS Publishes Position Supporting 3-Point Seat Belts on All School Buses
(Feb. 13, 2014)
NASDPTS followed up on an executive board vote in October to update its position on school bus lap-shoulder seat belts with a paper that outlines its new full support for the implementation of occupant restraint systems, as long as student ridership is not impacted.
STN EXPO Keynote to Discuss How School Bus Fosters Education Equity
(March 25, 2014)
Author, educator and sociologist Peter Cookson will keynote a July 29 morning session at the STN EXPO on why the school bus is a model for how students nationwide should be able to receive an equitable and accessible public education, no matter their race or socioeconomic status.
‘Safe Routes’ Webinar Covers District Liability With Crossing Guard, Walking Bus Programs
(Jan. 21, 2014)
A 6-year-old walking to school in the Bronx was struck and injured by a school bus this month at an intersection normally manned by a crossing guard. School officials said the regular guard called in sick and the replacement showed up over an hour later, after the accident. This incident occurred on the very day the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Partnership hosted a webinar discussing school district liability in similar scenarios.
Nine Children Killed Nationally at School Bus Stops, Kansas Report Finds
(Jan. 7, 2014)
States reported the same number of fatalities for the 2012-2013 school year during school bus loading and unloading operations as for the previous school year, the Kansas State Department of Education released to STN.
Click here for new data from the National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey
Update: More Questions Arise in Knoxville School Bus Crash Investigation
(Dec. 15, 2014)
As the Tennessee Highway Patrol and National Transportation Safety Board continue investigations into the fatal Dec. 2 double school bus crash in Knoxville, Tennessee, police have released new findings about both of the bus drivers involved.
Occupant and Fire Safety Top Concerns in Investigation of Fatal Motorcoach Crash
(April 18, 2014)
Though more details have emerged about the fatal truck–motorcoach crash in northern California, officials maintain that it could take months to determine the cause of the fiery collision April 10.
Hersman Announces Resignation from NTSB, New Post With National Safety Council
(March 10, 2014)
National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman announced today she is stepping down from her presidential appointment to become president and CEO of the National Safety Council. The move is effective April 25.
Q&A: Seon Discusses New School Bus Stop-Arm Enforcement Solution
(May 1, 2014)
With interest increasing nationwide on how to set up school bus stop-arm enforcement programs with local police and court systems, another partnership is coming to market to provide municipalities with solutions.
Talking Shop: Veteran Parts, Inventory Specialist Brings Women’s Touch to Garage
(March 6, 2014)
Tens of thousands of females nationwide are school bus drivers, routers, dispatchers, trainers, supervisors and directors. But few work in the garage.
NHTSA Final Rule Amends FMVSS 111 to Require Rearview Backup Cameras
(March 31, 2014)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a final rule to amend FMVSS 111 to require all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds GVWR, including some Type A-1 school buses in that weight category, to be equipped with rear-view cameras by May 1, 2018.
As Sex-Abuse Liability Claims Rise, Experts Recommend Protection
(April 11, 2014)
The verdict is in: School districts can be held liable for the criminal behavior of bus drivers and aides who abuse students in their charge. In recent news reports about sexual-abuse lawsuits involving the Olympia (Wash.), North Branch (Minn.) and Newburgh (N.Y.) School Districts, the operative terms are “negligent” and “failed to prevent.”
