With Bus Safety Week in the rearview mirror, Heritage High switches gears to prioritize the safety of the students during their daily commutes. This annual event shines a spotlight on the importance of ensuring that school buses remain one of the safest modes of transportation for children.

Bus Safety Week raises awareness about the crucial measures and precautions necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers on the roads. Scott Ennis, Transportation 2, was interviewed regarding the lengths taken to ensure safety on school buses.

“Every morning the buses have to run through a 15 minute Pre-trip and check multiple things before going on their routes. Including checking the oil, tires, safety triangles, and seeing if there is a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. All of our buses have cameras and every bus driver in the district is certified in a class B license.” Enis said.

They also take special precautions in certain situations where they are needed.

“Not only that, but for our special needs buses there are two people, one driver, and one overseer to secure the students and stay with them. Evacuations with students are done and demonstrations are timed.”

Extreme lengths and measures are taken to guarantee bus safety. Not only that but the drivers themselves take great care of the kids and make sure everyone is safe at all times. However, students are the ones riding the bus, therefore they should be heard as well.

“Throughout my experience of taking the bus since freshman year, I have never felt unsafe riding the bus, sure it’s loud at times but I always feel at ease, our bus drivers are always direct and concise in regards to the bus procedures, and they always make sure I get home on time.” Zaid Aguayo (11) said.

With the teachers helping after school every day to make sure students don’t miss their bus, it’s evident that Heritage values bus safety.

During this past week, the focus was on educating both students and the community about bus safety measures, from responsible bus behavior to driver awareness. It was a week dedicated to reaffirming the commitment to protecting the well being of Arkansas students who ride the bus.