DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – As a leader in student transportation, Durham School Services recognizes National School Bus Safety Week, October 19-23, 2009, and encourages motorists to “Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm”, which is this year’s theme. Motorists must stop when they encounter a stopped school bus with lights flashing and stop arm extended because children are either boarding or leaving the school bus. Passing a stopped school bus puts children in danger.

According to the American School Bus Council, approximately 480,000 yellow school buses are out on the road each day carrying 26 million children to and from school. While school buses are the safest way for children to get to school, National School Bus Safety Week spotlights the need for motorists to be alert around our nation’s school buses. More children are hurt every year as pedestrians outside of the school bus than as passengers inside the school bus.

“To safely transport children to school, bus drivers need the cooperation of other motorists,” said Bob Ramsdell, senior vice president of driver operations at Durham School Services. “It is critical other motorists do not pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is visible. Doing so puts children at significant risk. We encourage motorists to be aware of students near the bus and for students to follow safety rules.”

Durham School Services takes great pride in getting kids to school safely, on time, and ready to learn every day and urges motorists to do their part by following these important safety tips:

• Always stop when you see flashing red lights or the stop arm extended on a school bus;
• Watch for children walking or crossing the street near a stopped school bus; and
• Slow down when driving on neighborhood streets, near school bus stops and in school zones.

In observation of this important week of safety awareness, Durham School Services issued customized “School Bus Safety Week 2009” pins to its employees to acknowledge their continuous commitment to safety and will be announcing safety messages each day over the company radio system.

About Durham School Services
Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation and is consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 29 states and operates a fleet of more than 12,800 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time and ready to learn...every day.”

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