With the new school year approaching, student safety is a major focus for Maine school districts, especially after two students were killed in school bus-related incidents last year.
Since the 1960s, five Maine children have died in school bus accidents. Officials are working to prevent that number from rising.
According to Fox 22, More than 250 school bus drivers from 17 central Maine school districts gathered Tuesday at Bangor High School for annual safety training. The session covered medical emergencies, pre- and post-trip inspections, working with students with special needs and interacting with law enforcement.
Drivers also received updates on new safety equipment being added to Maine buses, including cross arms designed to provide an extra barrier between students and passing vehicles.
Another focus was the bus “danger zone,” where children are most vulnerable. Drivers were reminded of a five-second safety procedure requiring them to pause and check specific areas around the bus after students board or exit.
Officials say the additional training and equipment are intended to improve visibility, keep students safe and reduce the risk of accidents as the new school year gets underway.
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