AISD promotes bus safety

As part of National School Bus Safety Week, Atlanta Independent School District would like to remind the community of the important role that bus drivers play in our schools.

“There are a lot of factors that go into driving a bus,” Student Services Director Matt McClure said. “Bus drivers have to control the bus while operating the warning lights, watching out for other traffic and maintaining control of all the students.”

In an effort to help bus drivers do this, McClure said the best thing parents and guardians can do is encourage their students to follow the rules on the bus.

“Our main objective is to get all the kids to school and home from school safely,” McClure said. “We also want to be able to accomplish this in a positive environment on the bus.”

Atlanta ISD Police Chief Charles McDuffie said it’s important for other drivers to remember that buses make frequent stops and to watch for flashing lights indicating that the bus is stopping and children may be exiting the bus. Regardless of the direction they’re traveling, all drivers must stop for school buses.

Superintendent Jason Harris said school bus drivers are vital to the schools.

“Our bus drivers are at work before the sun comes up,” Harris said. “They care about all our kids, and the safety of our students is their number one priority.”