School Bus Safety for Parents

School Bus Safety for Parents
Posted on 09/11/2019
From Curt Jackson, Transportation Director

Did you know that students are about 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive on a school bus than if they drive themselves or ride with friends? The safety record of school buses is also far superior to that of passenger vehicles, regardless of the age of the driver. According to the American School Bus Council, based on research from several federal studies, traveling by school bus is THE safest way for students to get to and from school.

At first glance, today’s school bus might not seem different from the buses that parents and grandparents rode...but it is. School bus drivers must meet stringent training requirements and the bus itself continues to evolve as a result of federal regulations and industry initiatives.

Each day all Mexico School District buses go thru a 40 point pre-trip inspection before leaving the lot, and twice a year they are inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection division. In 2019, Mexico District buses received a 100% rating and a “Fleet Excellence” award.

Parents and other members of the general public can improve student safety by supporting school bus transportation. If you‘re driving behind a school bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the “yellow student warning lights” start flashing. Never pass a school bus from behind or from either direction if you are on an undivided road and the school bus has its “STOP SIGN OUT.” It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload students and the “STOP SIGN” is extended.

In 2018, the National Association of Pupil Transportation services reported 83,944 Illegal passing of School Bus in on day nationwide, 844 in Missouri and 6 in Mexico. In 2019 there were 95,319 violations with 844 in Missouri and 5 in Mexico.  

School buses drivers have a tremendous responsibility in transporting our students with parents and students assistance, we can make each day at Mexico Public Schools a safe one. If you have any questions concerning transportation, and call 573-581-3773 ext. 2405.