SAFETY
At Gould Transportation Services, the safety and well-being of our passengers, especially children, are paramount. As we navigate through the school year, we place a strong emphasis on bus safety, implementing rigorous protocols and regular training for our drivers. We understand the unique challenges posed by inclement weather therefore, we equip our fleet with state-of-the-art technology and adhere to comprehensive procedures to ensure safe travels during snow, ice, and other elements.
Our commitment extends beyond mere transportation; it's about fostering a secure environment where families can trust their children are in good hands. Gould Transportation Services remains dedicated to keeping our passengers safe, regardless of the season or weather conditions.
As a driver!
Passing a stopped bus with its lights flashing is both illegal and incredibly dangerous for the children disembarking
98,065 school bus drivers reported that 66,322 vehicles passed their buses illegally on a single day during the 2023-2024 school year. Adjusting for 100% of the school bus drivers in the U.S., we would have seen just over 251,000 daily illegal passings.
-Information from National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services
Tips for Your Child's Safety
YOUR CHILD SHOULD REMEMBER
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Their own name, address, and a phone number
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Their school and teacher's name
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Their bus driver's name and route number
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Arrive 5 minutes early for pick-up
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Stay away from the road & bus until it stops, the lights flash, and the doors open
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Wait quietly in a line to get on and off the bus, one at a time
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You can talk to your friends. Speak quietly during the bus ride and try not to raise your voice
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Sit properly in your seat. Never stand when the bus is moving, and keep arms and heads inside the bus
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Keep large items on your lap (books, bookbags, projects, etc.)
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Obey the safety monitor
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Use your eyes and ears before you use your feet
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Always look both ways before crossing in front of the bus, and all around for traffic
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Walk 10 feet in front of the bus to cross. Make sure you can see the driver's face
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Go straight home from the bus. Do not run
BUS RIDE NORMS
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Don't arrive at the bus stop too early - your child may be tempted to wander or get into mischief.
BUS STOP SAFETY
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If it is dark on the way to or from the bus, make sure your child wears light colored or reflective clothing to be visible
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Make sure your child knows what to do if they miss the bus - come back home or, if at school, report to a teacher - and never accept a ride from a stranger.
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Don't bring pets to the bus stop - pets may distract children from proper boarding & disembarking, which can be dangerous.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR & BUS SAFETY
The behavior of each student on the bus directly affects the safety of others. Incidents of poor behavior on the bus are reported in writing by the bus driver to the school principal. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the principal may issue a warning to the student, speak to parents, suspend bus privileges or take other disciplinary action.
Understanding School Bus Lights!
In the last 10 years, 55 children were killed in the danger zones around school buses. In the prior ten years there were 110 danger zone child fatalities. Thus, we have reduced theses tragedies by 50%, but the number should be ZERO.
-Information from The School Bus Safety Company, October 2024
Yellow Flashing Lights
Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red Flashing Lights
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again
