CINCINNATI—First Student, Inc., the nation’s leader in student transportation, is sending 16 qualifying school bus drivers from the U.S. and Canada to the 39th Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, July 18-19, 2009, in Greensboro, N.C. A total of 106 drivers from across North America will participate in this year’s competition, having placed among the top drivers in individual state and province competitions.
The National School Transportation Association holds this annual competition to highlight the safe practices and driving skill of North America’s most capable school bus drivers and to promote the professionalism of the industry.
The competition requires drivers to skillfully maneuver through a challenging driving course that tests safe driving skills – including parallel parking, diminishing clearance and right turns. These high-precision maneuvers are representative of what drivers may encounter on their routes on an average day. Contestants must also complete a written exam that tests knowledge of operational and safety standards.
“Safety is always the focus of this competition,” says Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety at First Student and chairman of the National School Transportation Association Safety and Security Committee. “At First Student, we are proud that our drivers are always well-represented at this event. Safety is a core value at First Student and our knowledgeable drivers and in-depth driver training truly reflect that dedication to safety.”
All First Student drivers must pass a comprehensive background check, substance screen and full physical exam, as well as complete more than 50 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training before they can drive a First Student bus.
School buses are the safest way for children to get to and from school. For many of the 25 million children in the U.S. who ride in school buses every day, it is their only means of getting to school and therefore plays an important role in children’s access to education.
