As school year begins, Operation Lifesaver issues school bus Safety Route Reminder

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marmie T. Edwards, APR, CAE, medwards@oli.org , 703 851-0492 or 800-537-6224

WASHINGTON, DC – (September 1, 2011)   Operation Lifesaver (OL) today unveils a six-step school bus driver Safety Route Reminder to provide America’s bus drivers with quick tips for safely crossing railroad tracks. OL encourages all drivers to give students and school buses a ‘brake,’ especially at highway-rail intersections.  

OL is also working with the National Association of Pupil Transportation and the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services to share the colorful school bus driver rail safety tips with trainers and school bus drivers nationwide.

“The Safety Route Reminder reviews steps drivers need to take before crossing railroad tracks,” Helen Sramek, OL’s president, said.  “School buses must open the door and stop prior to the crossing—to give a good view down the tracks. Other vehicle drivers are reminded to stop when behind a school bus at a railroad crossing.  These actions will help keep our students safe.”

 “Let’s make this a safe school year from beginning to end,” Sramek concluded.

To learn more:

1)    See all safety tips

2)   Find your state’s OL coordinator under “Contact Your State Coordinator"

3)   Download the Safety Route Reminder in pdf format

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is a national, non-profit safety education group whose goal is to eliminate deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along railroad rights of way. Operation Lifesaver has programs in all 50 states, with trained and certified presenters who provide free safety talks to community groups, school bus drivers, truck drivers and student drivers to raise awareness around railroad tracks and trains. For more information, and to request a free safety presentation, visit www.oli.org.     


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