BUS SAFETY
Putting Student Safety First
The safety and security of the students we transport is our core value. All employees of our company are committed to the highest level of safety in all our work-place and operational activities. Safety, security, and reliability are at the heart of all the services we provide, and we place special emphasis on driver training, vehicle maintenance, and fleet replacement.
While school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, there is a trained professional keeping student safety foremost at every step of the trip – from the dispatcher to the mechanic to the driver. School bus drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and pass a written and skills tests to obtain a School Bus Endorsement. In addition, drivers receive specialized classroom and behind-the-wheel training in driving a school bus, student loading/unloading procedures, student evacuation, student behavior and security management, and emergency medical procedures.
Special Safety Programs
There are several specific programs held throughout the year to emphasize the need for safety on our school buses, and to highlight the importance we place on driver and student safety.
Back-to-School Safety
August is designated as Back-to-School Safety Month, and we want to remind motorists to be extra careful at all times. As summer ends and the start of school approaches, drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe as they walk and bike to school. Whether you are taking your kids to school or just driving through a school zone, you can do your part to keep kids safe.
Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your children safe while walking and biking to school:
Reminders for Drivers:
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Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones.
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Take the extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
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Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
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Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
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Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone
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and don’t talk or text while driving.
TRAINING
Upon joining our team, you will be ushered through a full paid training program which will assure your success. At CBS, we ensure that you are ready for the road or however you are coming onboard as a team member and hold nothing more important than your safety and of those you are transporting.
THE PROCESS
ORIENTATION
All new team members will begin with our comprehensive orientation classes. The topics covered will include new hire paperwork, OSHA safety training, and special needs training.
CDL TRAINING
Next you’’ attend a paid permit study classes for up to 20 hours. Here you will learn how to drive a school bus & obtain a CDL.
FIRST AID & CPR
All CBS Associates receive National Safety Council First Aid & CPR Training semiannually.
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT TRAINING
Behavior Support Training produced by Behavior Intervention Training Systems is reviewed annually. Classes are taught by CBS in-house BITS certified trainers.
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The Emotional Bank Account
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Behavior Spectrum
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4 Different Types of Behavior
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Mistakes We All Make
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Keys for Successful Behavior Support
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Gradual Guidance
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Supportive Stance
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Physical Safety
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Valid for 2 years; trainees will receive a certificate of training. Our trainers are National Safety Council certified trainers. All drivers without documented current Defensive Driving training will receive this training semiannually.
ON-GOING TRAINING
SAFETY MEETINGS
Associates attend 5 1-hour safety meetings each year. Topics include safe driving techniques, student management and customer service.
QUALITY CIRCLES
Short weekly meetings covering current safety and local policy.
16 PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS
School Bus Safety Company’s 16 Professional Behaviors are reviewed in weekly Quality Circle meetings.