Campaign To Raises School Bus Safety Awareness
Sonora, CA – There is a collaborative campaign in Tuolumne County that highlights student safety and community awareness during next week’s National School Bus Safety Week.
The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools (TCSOS) and 11 public school districts are launching a joint campaign for National School Bus Safety Week, aimed at promoting student safety through community awareness and education.
“We want to remind everyone that school bus safety is a shared responsibility,” said Zack Abernathy, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools. “With the help of district transportation staff and local law enforcement, we’re committed to ensuring the well-being of our students.”
The campaign, which is observed during the third week of October, highlights the importance of community vigilance around school buses. Between 2012 and 2021, 206 school-age children died in school transportation-related crashes, with half involving children aged 5 to 10, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They added that 26,000 school bus accidents occur annually in the U.S. during that time. Additionally, TCSOS has partnered with local law enforcement, including the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sonora Police, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, to increase patrols near school bus routes during peak hours and to remind drivers of the importance of stopping for school buses and adhering to safety laws.
The campaign also included a presentation by Angela Howard, Transportation Specialist for Summerville Union High School District, and Christi Hammerbeck, Transportation Director for Sonora Union High School District, emphasizing the need for community-wide awareness.
“School Bus Safety Week brings awareness to our daily travels and reminds us of the safety conditions within our community,” said Angela Howard. Christi Hammerbeck added, “By raising awareness among our community members, we can work together to ensure the safety of the children in Tuolumne County.”
During next week’s campaign, daily tips on social media like these will be provided by TCSOS and local transportation staff:
• STOP for flashing red lights.
• WATCH for children crossing.
• KEEP our students and staff SAFE.
• “Red light flashing and stop sign is out means stop. Not go. Please stop; it’s the law.” – Kevin, Bus Driver
• “Children should be considered a priority while loading and unloading. Please notice this for our kids.” – Gabe Mendezona, Bus Driver
• “Be patient and kind, as our children are learning along the way.” – Sharlyn Anderson, Bus Driver
