Camden Rockport schools and the Five Town Community School District will participate in National Bus Safety Week from October 16 - 20. Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active public education program designed to promote school bus safety.

“We want parents, students, teachers, drivers, and all motorists to be aware of school bus safety,” said Maria Libby, superintendent of Camden Rockport Schools and Five Town CSD, in a news release. “Our drivers, students, and staff will participate in various drills and training throughout the week to keep school bus safety in the forefront.”

Libby also stressed that school bus safety depends on all motorists following traffic laws.

“Traffic from both directions must stop for a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign,” she said. “Our drivers have reported cars passing them while children are loading or unloading, which is a terrifying prospect.”

NAPT, The National Association for Pupil Transportation has shared these tips on how to keep children safe at bus stops. They have also released the 2022-23 Bus Safety Poster, titled “Safely Rolling to My Destination” designed by Avrie Siedschlag of Coon Rapids Middle School in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

National School Bus Safety Week October 16-20

Monday

In Maine, there are about 3,000 school buses traveling about 30,000,000 miles per year and delivering about 140,000 students, which is about eighty percent of Maine students. This week, we want to remind everyone about school bus safety, on and off the bus.

Tuesday

It is estimated that over 43 million drivers illegally and dangerously pass stopped school buses every year. Most serious injuries occur when students are in the Danger Zone, a 10-foot area around all sides of the bus.

Wednesday

Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Drivers should be extra wary during the hours of bus transportation, watching for students who may be distracted.

Thursday

This week our students are reviewing and practicing school bus safety. They are reviewing how to safely wait, load, ride, and unload the bus, and they are practicing emergency evacuations.

Friday

Each Fall we will conduct student and driver training on safe practices in and around the school bus. Beyond the laws, we want to be sure our students are delivered and returned safely and happily. Our drivers appreciate the support of parents in reminding students of the importance of safety!