Safety First!

As we approach the conclusion of the first semester, it is time for parents and students to review key safety-related transportation topics outlined below. Parents are requested to please read and review these with their child(ren). Please be reminded that it is the goal of the Transportation Department is to provide a safe, consistent, economical and efficient pupil transportation system. 

Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules

Chapter 3301-83 of the Administrative Code contains operation and safety rules regulating pupil transportation and governs all pupil transportation in Ohio.  These rules pertain to both safety and administrative procedures for pupil transportation.  Compliance with these rules is mandated under Ohio Revised Code 4511.76.  The purpose of Chapter 3301.83 of the Administrative Code is to reduce and prevent, to the greatest extent possible, death or injury to pupils and to ensure uniform, economical and efficient pupil transportation operations. Parents are requested to please review and discuss with their child(ren) information contained in the Transportation Guidelines Handbook and Guidelines for Determining Driver-Designated Place of Safety. 

Pupil Instruction (ORC 3301-83-09)
At the beginning of the school year, safety instruction was provided to all regularly transported pupils in grades K-4. 

1. Safe walking practices to and from the bus stop.

2. Wearing of light-colored or reflective clothing when going to and from the bus    stop in darkness.

3. How and where to wait safely for the bus including how to avoid personal risks involving strangers.

4. What to do if the bus is late or does not arrive.

5. How to enter and leave the bus safely.  This instruction shall include the potential hazards regarding the    snagging of clothing, backpacks, or other items, as well as items which may be dropped around or under the bus.

6. Safe riding practices

• Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop.
• Behavior at the school bus stop must not threaten life, limb or property of any individual.
• Pupils must go directly to an assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion.
• Pupils must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear.
• Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.
• Pupils must not use profane language.
• Pupils must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medial reasons.
• Pupils must not use tobacco on the bus.
• Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for a student.
• Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from or into the bus.
• Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps.  Glass objects are not permitted.
• Pupils must leave or board the bus at the location to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.
• Pupils must not put head or arms out of the bus windows.

7. Safely crossing the highway before boarding and after leaving the bus.

8. Respect for the rights and privileges of others.

Driver-Designated Place of Safety (ORC 3301-83-13 B6)

Each pupil was assigned a “driver-designated residence side place of safety” for students who are loading and unloading from school buses.  The driver must account for each pupil at the designated place of safety before leaving.  Pupils are not to proceed to their residence until the school bus has departed.  Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop.  The following principles guide drivers as reflective of “best practice.”  1.) The place of safety should be at least 20 or more steps away from the bus stop.  (Drivers are instructed to teach steps instead of feet so that the distance will be readily understood by all ages of students being transported.); 2.) The place of safety should be far enough away from the bus so that the bus can proceed without any chance of the student running back into the path of the school bus as it leaves the designated stop; 3.) When possible, the driver should choose a stationary and recognizable object, such as a flagpole, tree, garage door, or sign post; 4.) The place of safety should be such that a driver can account for the location of the child before moving the bus.  At stops with multiple students, a place of safety should be identified where each student can be seen; 5.) School bus drivers who do not believe a place of safety can be determined at a given stop should communicate with the Director and ask for assistance; and, 6.) Drivers should always count their students 2x before leaving the school bus stop. 

Thank you!

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and assistance in helping the Transportation Department to be consistent in the enforcement and delivery of pupil transportation services.    We anticipate a great second semester and conclusion to the school year. We are here to assist and to do our best to deliver the “best” in service. 

Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact the Transportation Department at 419-877-0451.

Have a Great Remainder of the Year and . . . Go Generals!

Steve Puchta, Director of Transportation