DPS Encourages Districts to Participate in Illegal Bus Passing Survey
Report Your Results by May 21
School buses are a safe way to get students to school and back, but kids are most vulnerable when they’re outside the bus. That’s why the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages school districts to participate in the annual illegal bus passing survey and report their results by May 21.
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) will include Texas results in its nationwide report. The NASDPTS uses the data to promote improved safety strategies at the state and national levels. So, it’s important that as many districts as possible participate.
Step1. Prioritize Safety
Remind drivers that student safety is their primary responsibility and they should use extreme caution when completing the form.
Step 2. Document Illegal Passes
Your drivers will use this form (English, Spanish) to document every illegal pass that meets all these criteria:
- The bus is completely stopped, AND
- Red lights are flashing, AND
- The stop sign(s) is extended, AND
- The vehicle illegally passes by the right or left side of the bus during stop
Step 3. Summarize, Submit Results
Use this form to summarize driver results. Email the completed form to Christie Hebert, DPS director of school bus transportation, at christie.hebert@dps.texas.gov no later than May 21:
- Don’t send individual driver forms to Ms. Hebert.
- Please do not alter the form.
Inform Your Community
The school bus loading and unloading area is called the “Danger Zone.” It refers to any side of the bus where the driver can’t see kids. Bus drivers, parents, and motorists share responsibility for keeping kids safe in the Danger Zone.
If you need help promoting safe behaviors that reduce the risk of serious or fatal accidents, explore these National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resources:
- Best Practices Guide: Reducing the Illegal Passing of School Buses
- Illegal Passing Toolkit
- School Bus Safety Toolkit
Questions
For more information about the illegal passing survey, contact Christie Hebert at 512-424-7396 or christie.hebert@dps.texas.gov
Risk Solutions Staff
The TASB risk solutions team includes risk solutions consultants and communications professionals who deliver training, consultations, articles, and resources that help Fund members control losses and their associated costs.
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